Chapter 65

Mara's POV

Ronan's sword stopped less than a hand from my neck.

His entire arm shook with the effort of holding it there.

"Ask me," he said through clenched teeth.

I could feel the twisted oath through our echo. It was not one command. It was three layers fighting for ownership of the same choice: Ronan's voluntary Bridge consent, Ilyra's belief that consent must become permanent, and Severin's founder emergency authority.

I put two fingers against the flat of the blade.

"What do you reject?"

His eyes locked on mine.

"I reject anyone deciding what protecting the House means for me." Release opened.

The white chain around his chest cracked but did not break.<