Chapter 25

Mara's POV

The first bell strike drove every breath out of the room.

My mother doubled over as a red line ignited around her throat. It was not a collar. It was worse because there was nothing visible to grab.

"What is happening?" I demanded.

Elara braced one hand against the wall. "The tether is activating. The Bell House thinks I am leaving."

"You are leaving."

"Mara, if you break it wrong—"

"Then tell me how to break it right."

Ronan moved to the doorway, sword drawn. Footsteps thundered somewhere above us.

"We have company."

Tamsin and Lucien took the corridor. Soren rushed in behind them, carrying the founder-chain fragme