Chapter 26 · You protected the crowd

She released him slowly. Her fingers left wrinkles in his coat.

"You protected the crowd," she said.

"Don't sound surprised."

"I am surprised."

"Then keep it to yourself."

"You could have killed them."

"I could still kill them."

Her eyes narrowed. "Is that supposed to scare me?"

"No. It's supposed to remind you who controls this square."

He turned away from her and stepped onto the broken cathedral stairs.

The crowd parted without being told.

Cane climbed until he stood above the fallen knights, the priests, and the woman who had once placed a holy crown on his head before sending him into the Void.

Selena followed one step behind.

"Don't walk away from me," she said.

"I'm not walking away. I'm giving you a better view."

"Of what?"

He reached back and caught the chain at her neck.

Selena stopped.

The metal pressed into his fingers. Her body came close enough that her shoulder touched his back. He could feel her warmth through the fabric. She could have attacked him. She didn't.

"Of your new place," he said.

"I don't have a place beside you."

"You do now."

"You can't parade me around like a trophy.