Page 10 of Zenith Tower

She moved behind him and pulled him against her. Caspian took his other shoulder while I kept my hand against Kieran’s chest.

Kieran dragged in a breath. It came shallow, followed by another that was barely better.

“Again,” I told him. “Slowly.”

His fingers closed around my forearm. The grip had little strength. Silver-green light flared beneath his shirt, and the muscles in his face tightened with pain.

Footsteps entered the corridor.

Marrow appeared first. The woman who had read Kieran followed him with a narrow leather case in one hand.

“We pulled the cord when his fever rose,” I said. “While we waited, his breathing seized.”

The reader came to the bed and put two fingers against Kieran’s throat. Her hand was cold enough that he flinched. She watched the green light move beneath his shirt, then opened the case and removed a dark glass vial.

“What is that?” I asked.

“For the fever.” She tipped a small measure beneath Kieran’s tongue. “It should ease the spasm.”

The liquid smelled bitter and medicinal. Kieran coughed once, swallowed, and drew a deeper breath. The green beneath his shirt faded without disappearing.

“He needs a healer,” I said.

Astra’s arm tightened around Kieran. “We asked for treatment.”

“The panel will determine the appropriate intervention.”

“That draught is treatment,” I said.

“It was a temporary measure. He can be moved now.”

Caspian stood between her and the door. “Enter that we pulled the cord when his fever rose, waited while his breathing seized, and requested further treatment after you arrived.”

Astra lifted her head. Her face had gone pale, but her voice was clear. “Under all four names.”

Marrow looked from her to Caspian. “It will be entered in the review record.”

The reader closed the leather case. “Keep him upright until the bell.”

She left with Marrow. The sharp smell of the draught remained after the door closed.

I returned my attention to Kieran. His breathing had steadied, but his grip remained around my forearm.

“Jonah,” he said. His voice was little more than air.

“I’m here.”

His eyes found mine at last. His grip eased, though he did not let go.

Astra lowered her cheek to his hair. Caspian stayed beside the door, watching the corridor. I kept my attention on Kieran.

The bell rang inside the walls.

Kieran flinched. I kept my arm beneath his hand and waited for the stewards to come.

Astra

They called it a review.