Page 308 of Black Reign

I don't look away from her.

“What?”

“Think very carefully about what you're doing.”

I already have.

For once, perhaps not carefully enough.

But clearly.

I squeeze Sabine's hand.

Her eyes search mine.

Confused.

Suspicious.

Sleepy.

Beautiful.

My father asked where his cold son went.

He’s still here.

He simply found something worth setting the world on fire to keep.

“Meeting over.”

I kill the connection.

The wall goes black.

Silence fills the study.

Sabine stares at the empty screen.

Then slowly turns toward me.

“You'll marry who?”

I exhale.

“You.”

Her eyes widen.

“Oh.”

“Apparently.”

She pulls her hand from mine.

“Apparently?”

“I hadn't workshopped the phrasing.”