“You always have a choice.” I hold her gaze. Let her see everything I’m offering—not redemption, not salvation. “That’swhat truth-speaking means. The Ledger Master can’t take what you refuse to give. Your soul is yours. Your gift is yours. No contract can change that unless you let it.”
Her fingers tighten on mine. The sigil pulses bright between our joined palms.
“Then show me how to refuse.”
The words hang in the air. A challenge. A request. A declaration of war.
Outside the safe room, Gravebind’s is truly dark. Somewhere in the Ledger Hall, the Ledger Master waits with her brother in his hands and a trap ready to spring. Enforcers are already moving through the streets, hunting for the renegade and the truth-speaker.
I release her face. Take her hand more firmly in mine.
I need to know what’s going on outside. Need to know what’s changed due to the declaration. Need to know what new death trap awaits us.
