In my new Academy study, the smell of old leather mixed with dried herbs. Warmth gathered at the back of my neck and stayed there.
I set down my diagnostic chart and touched the place where Kael's mark had scarred me. The skin felt smooth. I checked it in the silver mirror by the window.
I turned, pulling aside my hair. I gasped.
The scar was gone. A small constellation of silver light moved beneath my skin, each point pulsing with my heartbeat. When I touched it, warmth crossed the new bond and returned.
Valerius opened the door after his knock. He saw the mark and stopped on the threshold. For once, his grey eyes gave away every thought.
He watched the silver points follow my pulse. His hands remained at his sides.
He came no closer than a few feet. Even through the bond, I felt hi
