Chapter 17 · Voidbound - Chapter 17: The Hunter at the Door

"Open it." Mira's voice cut through the door, flat and final.

Kael pressed his back against the crate. The hatchling coiled around his wrist, scales hot enough to blister. Rook stood by the opposite wall, arms crossed, watching like this was just another match.

"She's not going away," Rook said. "Guild doesn't knock twice."

"Shut up."

"Your call, kid. But if she kicks that door in, everyone in this room's getting bagged."

Kael's pulse hammered in his ears. The bond mark burned under his sleeve, the hatchling's hunger clawing at the edges of his skull. It wanted out. It wanted her.

"Kael Thorne." Mira's tone didn't rise. Didn't need to. "I've got three witnesses who saw you walk backstage. You've got ten seconds."

Rook tilted his head. "What's it gonna be? Door or floor?"

Kael looked down. The hatchling's eyes glowed faint violet in the dim light, fixed on the planks beneath his feet. He felt it then—the hum. Not sound. Pressure. Like something vast and old breathing just under the wood.

"You feel that?" he whispered.

Rook's smirk died. "Feel what?"

"Five seconds," Mira called.

Kael dropped to one knee and pressed his palm flat against the floor.