Chapter 12 · Tuning Into Death

"Get your hand off me, Julian."

Julian's fingers tightened around Kael's wrist.

The split in Julian's back had opened another inch. Gold fluid slipped down beneath the torn edge of his shirt, bright against skin that was already turning pale and hard. It dripped onto the stone floor with a sharp little tick.

Kael reached for the surgical case.

Julian caught him by the collar and slammed him against the wall.

"You don't touch that case," Julian said.

Kael's shoulder struck stone. Pain flashed down his arm. "Then stop bleeding on my floor."

"It's not blood."

"I know what it is. I also know you're losing control."

Julian's face went still.

That was worse than anger. Kael had learned that much in the last two weeks. Anger made Julian loud. Fear made him quiet.

"Say that again," Julian murmured.

Kael looked past him at the gold trail running down his side. "You're losing control. Your hands are shaking, your pulse is skipping, and the dead are getting louder. If you keep standing here, you'll lock up from the spine out."

Julian shoved closer.