Chapter 34 · Voidbound - Chapter 34: The Contract Below

"You're killing yourself." Mira's voice cut through the chamber, sharp enough to make Kael's hand freeze on the stone.

He didn't turn around. Couldn't. The seal under his palm pulsed, warm and alive, like it recognized him. Like it had been waiting.

"I know," he said.

"Then stop."

"Can't do that either."

Her boots scraped closer. He heard the click of a safety coming off. "Kael. Step back from the seal."

"You gave me your gun two floors up," he said. "Told me to shoot you if you turned. Remember?"

"That was different."

"How?"

Silence. Then the muzzle touched the back of his neck, cold and precise. "Because you're choosing this."

Kael's chest tightened. The Voidling stirred inside him, coiling around his ribs like it could feel the gun too. It wasn't fear. It was something worse. Hunger. The creature wanted the seal open. Wanted what was underneath.

"I'm choosing the truth," Kael said. "The city hears it, or we all die lying."

"You think they'll listen? You think they'll care?" Mira's voice cracked, just a fraction. "They'll kill you the second they see what you are."

"Maybe." He pressed harder into the seal.