“Yes, you do.”
I stepped closer—slow, deliberate. Not to intimidate. Just to make sure she didn’t run.
“I looked into the memories I took from Kyra. I didn’t want to. But Elira is gone. And I think you may know something about it.”
She froze. Lips parted, but no words came.
“You helped her breach the wards, didn’t you?” I said quietly. “You can use magic in here without a brand.”
She stiffened. Her voice came cold. “You can’t prove anything.”
“You know that’s not true,” I said quietly. “And unfortunately, so does the king.”
Her eyes snapped to mine.
“The order’s been issued,” I continued. “Track down the one who helped her escape. Bring them in. And because I still wear his brand…” I touched the place on my shoulder, jaw tight, “—the compulsion is active.”
She went pale. “So what happens now? You drag me to the king? Turn me in?”
“If I was going to do that,” I said, “I’d have done it already.”
I studied her. The tremor in her hands. The way her heartbeat jumped at the base of her throat.
“I’m not here to punish you, Maddie. I’m here to protect you. The king doesn’t know it was you—not yet. He gave the order blindly, expecting the magic to do the rest. I intend to keep your name out of it.”
“Don’t you have to obey him?” she asked, voice shaking.
“Yes,” I said. “The brand ensures that. But orders are subject to interpretation. I can twist them. Delay them. Rephrase themto sound like obedience. But I can’t disobey outright—not without it turning on me.”
Her shoulders slumped, processing that. “So, what do you need from me?”
“Elira’s gone. Vasquez has been given control of her retrieval. The sentinels are already on the hunt. And my Shades—Leo, Slade, Phoenix—they’ve cut their brands. They’re out there too. Being hunted.”
Maddie’s eyes widened. “They defected?”
I nodded. “They left to find her. To protect her. Which means I’m the only one left inside the Tower.”
“Why didn’t you go with them?” she whispered.
My jaw clenched. “Because someone has to stay close to Vasquez. Someone has to track the orders coming down. If I cut my brand, I lose access. And if that happens, I can’t warn her when the noose tightens.”
She stared at me. “You’re planning on spying on your own command?”
“I already am.”
Silence stretched between us.
Then Maddie said, “You’re walking a dangerous line, Commander.”
A grim smile pulled at my mouth. “I’ve been walking it for months.”
She hesitated. Then nodded. “All right. You’ve got me. But if you betray her—”
“I won’t,” I said.
I moved to the side and tossed her a small bag I’d already packed. “Food. Supplies. Medical care.”
She caught it without hesitation. “What’s the plan?”
