Page 19 of Blood Curse

“The dagger first,” she said.

One broken half lay near the side door. The other was partly hidden under Adrian’s sleeve. Lenora wrapped the hilt and its jagged length of blade before Mara lifted Adrian’s arm and retrieved the pointed half.

Mara frowned at the dark metal. “Heartblood?”

“Mine,” I said.

Bryony turned to me. “Tell me exactly what it can still do.”

I wanted to spare her another threat. That impulse had already caused enough damage between us.

“Either piece can cut me,” I said. “The point could still reach my heart. The magic was made to force my obedience, and breaking the blade may not have broken that purpose.”

“May not?”

“I won’t lie and call it safe when I don’t know.”

Mara held the wrapped point away from herself. “I can throw both pieces into the sea.”

“And discover what the spell does when the metal corrodes?” Lenora asked. “I’d prefer a locked box.”

Bryony looked at the weapons, then at me. “You’re not keeping them.”

“Agreed.”

“Neither am I.”

“Also agreed.”

She faced Lenora. “Can you seal them somewhere the Crown can’t open with the house wards?”

“The old armoury has an iron strongbox with a mechanical lock. I’ll keep the only key on me.”

“Keep the halves wrapped separately.”

Lenora nodded. “Done.”

Bryony took my hand again. “I’m not going to empty Harrowmere of every blade because one was made for you. We secure the real threat and make sensible choices about the rest.”

It would have been easy to ask for more. Every lock. Every key. Every sharp edge put beyond reach. Fear could turn protection into a prison before either of us noticed. Bryony’s choice left danger in the world and trust between us. I tightened my fingers around hers, feeling the steadiness she was offering rather than the weapon Lenora carried away.

“That sounds dangerously calm.”

“I’m saving the panic for when I’ve slept.”

I brought her knuckles to my mouth. Her eyes warmed despite the exhaustion under them.

“Then I’ll panic with you,” I said.

“That isn’t as romantic as you think.”

“Give me time.”

Mara cleared her throat. “I see being imprisoned failed to make you less irritating.”

“He’s had a difficult evening,” Bryony said. “I’m allowing it.”

Together, Mara and I wrapped Adrian in the torn curtain. Lenora took his feet before I could strain my side again, and we carried him into the guard chamber beside the throne room.