Page 214 of Problematic

“Reported for reassignment.”

“You mentioned that.”

“So did everyone else.”

Liv turned toward him. “Everyone?”

“Every northern asset Scarn ordered cataloged. Tower guards, patrol captains, fighters from the wards. Anyone with enough sense to kneel until their true purpose was revealed.”

Mandi blinked. “You hid an army inside the tower?”

Kalon nodded.

“Administrative treason.” She pressed one hand to her heart. “That is unreasonably attractive.”

“Well, now I like you for three reasons.” I nodded.

“I didn’t do it for you,” he said to me.

“I know.”

“Scarn wanted reassignment intake.” Kalon grinned. “I gave him one.”

Her expression softened with gratitude. Mine tightened around a jealousy I had no right to indulge. Kalon had protected her while I gave her reasons to hate me. The decent response would have been appreciation. I managed silence. I deserved an award.

The stairs opened behind the main security desk. Southern flags hung from the mezzanine, burning at the corners, while Scarn’s guards processed northern fighters across the marble.

The moment they saw us, surrender ended. Weapons came from boots, sleeves, and broken cuffs. The lobby erupted before Scarn’s people could react. My shadows swept across the marble, ripping guns from hands and dragging soldiers off-balance. The Hound stepped with me, enormous paws cracking the marble.

Liv kept pace at my side.

Then I saw Vale.

Two guards held him behind the security desk beneath dead screens. Silver wire bound his throat and wrists, cutting deeper each time he breathed. One side of his face had swollen over his eye. Blood soaked the collar of his shirt.

The Hound lunged.

Liv caught my sleeve. “Lux.”

One word held me. A guard had seen where my attention landed and pushed a knife beneath Vale’s jaw. Vale raised his head. His good eye found mine, irritated even through the blood.

“Sir,” he rasped. “You took your time.”

Something tightened beneath my ribs.

Mandi whispered, “I like him.”

The guard pressed the blade harder. “Back off.”

The Hound snarled around me, but I held my ground because Liv was still gripping my sleeve.

Sam moved beside us, fire circling her fingers. “I’ll burn the desk.”

“Please avoid burning Vale,” Mandi said.

“That wasn’t my plan.”

“Stating concerns.”