Good.
A room full of witnesses had learned to like bad landings tonight.
The black basin formed letters.
They rose out of the water one at a time, silver against the dark.
Astra Verita.
The hall held its breath.
Caspian Ashford.
Lord Magnus moved then. One step before he remembered everyone could see him.
Jonah Hale.
The buried thing under my skin went still.
Listening.
Kieran Marsh.
Across the hall, Marsh’s face drained of all color. Unlike me, he hadn’t expected this.
His Mark lit through the shoulder of his coat, wrong enough that the nearest third-years stepped away from him before they could stop themselves.
Astra made a sound.
Small.
Angry.
Terrified.
Mine,said the buried thing under my skin.
No,I told it.
The letters sank.
New ones rose.
Tower Review Required.
All Named Marks To Remain Under Witness.
No Severance To Be Attempted Prior To Review.
Quill’s composure returned too smoothly.
He had expected a summons.
He had not expected that last line.
Neither had I.
No severance.
