Chapter 26 · A Shard Under His Ribs

"Get your hands off him." I drove my elbow into August's throat, but the ward snapped tighter around my wrists and slammed me against the black stone altar.

Kael hit the floor three feet away. His sword skidded from his hand, sparks jumping across the tiles. A strip of red light cut through his shirt beneath his ribs, pulsing every time he tried to breathe.

August did not even look at me. He kept one gloved hand pressed over the glowing wound.

"You were told to kneel, Sera."

"I was told a lot of things before I burned your favorite chapel."

His fingers dug in. Kael's jaw clenched hard enough to show the muscle beside his cheek.

"Touch him again," I said, "and I'll rip your arm off."

August finally turned his head. His silver mask hid most of his face, but I could see his smile through the narrow opening.

"You can barely move."

"Then come closer and find out."

The ward bit into my skin. Heat crawled up both arms, pinning my shoulders flat.