MAEVE POV
The pounding on the iron door sounded like the heartbeat of death counting down the rest of my life. In front of me, Dorian smiled—a victorious smirk that made the blood in my chest run cold.
“We’re breaking in!” the captain of the guard shouted from outside.
I closed my eyes, tears of despair slipping down my cheeks. I had no choice. If that door opened now, my secret would be exposed, and I would be executed by the Council before morning came.
“Help me,” I whispered hoarsely, swallowing what little pride I had left. “Please cover this, Dorian.”
The Alchemist’s smile widened, satisfied that he had completely cornered my soul. “A very smart choice, Reeve.”
Dorian moved quickly. He removed his long, thick gray medical robe and wrapped it around my trembling body. The robe
