Chapter 18 · You do in here

"You do in here."

"Because you built a cage?"

"Because you signed yourself into it."

The black metal clicked.

A thin strand of gold light slipped out of the seal and hooked into the void around them. The realm flinched. The floor cracked beneath Selena's boots.

Cane shoved her behind him.

"Stay there."

"Don't order me around."

"Stay. There."

The command hit harder than his grip. The shadows surged between them, forming a wall across her waist.

Selena stared at his back. "You don't get to protect me after locking me up."

"I'm not protecting you."

"Then move."

"No."

"Cane—"

The golden thread snapped toward his shoulder.

He caught it in one hand.

The impact drove him to one knee. Black cracks spread up his arm, and a rough sound tore from his throat.

Selena's anger broke for half a second. "Cane!"

"Don't come closer."

"That thing is burning you."

"I noticed."

"Let me help."

"You are the help."

She pushed into the shadow wall. It shoved her back.

"What does that mean?"

Cane squeezed his fist. The golden thread twisted around his hand, trying to reach the mark on his chest.

"The seal is tied to you," he said.