Page 34 of Zenith Tower

“The comparison procedure predates your arrival,” the reader said.

“That does not make it independent.”

Her pen moved. “Do you believe your association with Astra Verita caused the recent acceleration?”

“No.”

“On what evidence?”

“The decline began long before I met her.”

“The question concerns its acceleration.”

Kieran’s fingers tightened on the arm of his chair. “Then say what you are asking.”

The reader looked at Astra. “Would severing the open line reduce the strain on either Mark?”

Astra leaned forward. “You told us you didn’t know what the lines meant.”

“We are establishing possibilities.”

“By suggesting you cut one?”

Caspian touched her sleeve. She did not sit back, but she stopped moving toward the table.

The reader returned her attention to Kieran. “If severance slowed your decline, would you consent?”

“No.”

Marrow spoke from behind the panel. “Mr. Marsh, your refusal may compromise the review of every resident associated with you.”

“My dying is inconvenient for your paperwork. I understand.”

“You are being offered an intervention.”

“You don’t know whether it would help.”

“That is why it must be tested.”

Kieran’s mouth curved, though there was no humor in it. “On me.”

Marrow’s hand flexed once at his side.

He crossed the room quickly.

One hand closed around Kieran’s collar and pulled him forward. The movement wrenched his damaged shoulder. Pain broke across his face before he could hide it.

Marrow raised his other hand.

I caught his wrist.

My chair struck the floor behind me. By the time the sound reached me, Marrow’s pulse was beating beneath my fingers. I tightened my grip until his raised hand stopped moving.

“Let him go.”

Marrow looked at me rather than Kieran. He pulled once against my hold, testing it.

“Release my wrist, Instructor Hale.”