Across the hall, Kieran stopped pretending to look bored.
Quill lifted one hand before Magnus could answer.
“The Council recognizes Lord Magnus Ashford as witness.”
“Witnessed,” the hall said.
Magnus’s eyes remained on his son for one breath longer.
Then Quill turned to me.
“Astra Verita, you have been offered a stabilizing bond with Caspian Ashford under Council authority. You have been informed of the honor, the protection, and the tradition attached to that bond.”
I felt the pin of my mother’s brooch prick my chest. Like somehow it knew what was happening here.
“You will place your left hand upon the Convergence basin.”
Command first. Question later.
Cosima had warned me.
Several questions pretending to be one.
I stepped to the basin.
The water was black from above. Silver underneath. My reflection broke on its surface, green dress, pale face, Mark burning bright at my wrist.
I placed my left hand on the rim.
The water remained perfectly still.
Caspian came to stand across from me.
Close enough that I could see the place where his pulse still jumped at his throat.
Quill said, “Caspian Ashford, place your hand over hers.”
Caspian didn’t move right away.
The hall felt the hesitation and responded with whispers like it was a living thing.
Then he met my eyes and said, “May I?”
The question carried.
The first-years near the door shifted.
Linden’s pen moved.
Cosima’s face was a white, blank thing at the edge of the hall.
Quill looked at Caspian.
Magnus didn’t blink.
I looked down at my hand on the basin rim.
Then at Caspian’s.
