Chapter 19 · Voidbound - Chapter 19: The Hunter's Lie

"Drop the weapon."

Mira's voice cut through the crowd noise before I even saw her. I turned. She stood ten feet away, sidearm raised, stance textbook Guild. The arena lights caught the silver edge of her inspector badge.

Behind me, the Voidling crouched low, smoke still curling off its claws. Around us, the Pit crowd had gone quiet. Phones up. Recording.

"You heard me," Mira said. "Weapon down. Hands visible."

I didn't have a weapon. Just blood on my knuckles and a creature the Guild wanted dead.

"Inspector." Rook's voice came from the opposite catwalk, smooth and pleased. "Didn't know we rated a house call."

Mira didn't look at him. Her aim stayed locked on me. "This fight's over. Clear the floor."

"Fight's over when one of them stops breathing," Rook said. "House rules."

"Guild rules supersede."

"Not down here they don't."

The crowd started to move. Restless. Phones still up. I could see the red recording dots from here.

Mira took one step forward. Her gun didn't waver. "Kael Thorne. On your knees. Hands behind your head."

She said my name like she didn't know it.