Verity's POV

I nodded before I could talk myself out of it.

Cassian's grip on my back tightened and I heard him inhale sharply like he wanted to argue but I turned to look at him and shook my head. His jaw clenched so hard I thought his teeth might crack but after a long moment he stepped back.

"Five minutes," he said to Theron and his voice was ice. "Not a second longer."

Theron nodded stiffly and gestured toward a small door at the side of the hall. I followed him and felt every pair of ...