The bond flashed between Caspian and me, bright with his anger.
Mine was colder.
“Article Seven is escalation,” Quill said. “The school can no longer resolve this matter alone.”
“Then who can?”
I knew before he answered.
Quill said, “Zenith Tower.”
The name sent a shiver through the room.
People knew it.
People wished they did not.
Cosima’s pen went still in her hand.
Juno closed her eyes and exhaled sharply.
Aldric’s hand lifted, then fell back to his side before it became a gesture anyone could record.
Kieran’s line burned brighter in the basin.
Hale’s held steady.
“The formal remains paused until Tower notice is received,” Quill said. “The doors remain closed. Astra Verita will remain at the basin.”
Caspian’s hand was still over mine.
“And Caspian Ashford?” Magnus asked.
Quill looked at him.
The hesitation was small, but long enough for me to understand that they had not yet agreed what Caspian had become.
“Caspian Ashford will remain where he is.”
Magnus’s jaw clenched so tight, I could hear his perfect white teeth grind.
Caspian bent his head closer to mine. Not enough for the room to call it whispering. Enough for the bond to carry the rest.
“I’m here with you.”
I looked down at our hands.
Silver water.
One completed line.
Two open ones.
I had bonded.
I had answered.
I had not refused.
