Chapter 22 · No. But I remember them

"No. But I remember them."

Julian looked at him for a long second. Then he released Kael and faced Silas.

"Give him the file," Julian said. "Now."

Silas picked up the vial. "Earn it."

"You want the sample?"

"I want Doctor Kael in the lower vault before midnight. Alone."

Kael's laugh held no humor. "You just heard him say I shouldn't go alone."

"The heir does not set terms in a Church infirmary."

Julian took a step forward. "Then stop using my building, my guards, and my blood to run your little laboratory."

Silas's eyes flashed. "Your family gave the Church this city."

"My family gave you permission to worship. Not to carve into me."

"Your family gave us your body when you were born."

The words landed hard.

Julian went still.

Kael saw it—the tiny break in his breathing, the way his fingers flexed once at his side. The ringing started again, louder now, turning the surgical tools into trembling silver lines.

"Get out," Julian said.

Silas smiled. "You hear them, don't you? All those voices under the stone. They know what your mother did.