Page 67 of Zenith Tower

“Not of this visit.”

Kieran held out his hand to me. I went to the bed and sat beside him, keeping my eyes on her as I pushed my sleeve above my elbow.

Two bonded lines lay complete at my wrist. Kieran’s showed green-gold beside Caspian’s. Hale’s line remained open. Kieran opened his shirt far enough to reveal the restored channels crossing his shoulder. When our hands touched, both Marks warmed.

The administrator came closer. She did not reach for either of us.

“Tell me exactly what happened before the bond closed,” she said.

“Marrow already told you.”

“Marrow told me what he saw.”

“Then ask what he left out.” Kieran’s fingers tightened around mine. “I was there for the important part.”

Her gaze moved to him. “Your body was unresponsive.”

“My body has always been an unreliable witness.”

“Kieran,” I said.

His expression sobered.

I told her about following the unfinished line into the fracture. I described finding Kieran beyond the break, bringing the open end of the bond to him, and stopping before it closed.

“He had to reach back,” I said. “I couldn’t complete it alone.”

“Did you communicate?”

“Yes.”

“With words?”

“Not spoken ones.”

“What did he say?”

I looked at Kieran.

“I asked if she was sure,” he said. “She said yes. Then I did.”

The administrator’s attention returned to the joined lines. Something in her face tightened.

“Marrow’s report describes spontaneous completion during an emergency intervention,” she said.

“That isn’t what happened,” I said.

“I know.”

Kieran sat straighter. “What happens if the Council accepts his version?”

“They may classify the bond as imposed.”

My hand went cold in his.

“He chose it,” I said.

“His body was unconscious. Marrow omitted any claim of communication, and the healer cannot confirm one.”