The new branch beneath Tovan's skin remained after the recall ended. Its light faded from bright blue to a thin line, but the scanner continued to detect it between the plate and his heart. Cassandra compared the image from before the recall with the three copies Rias had preserved afterward.
"It did not create another source," she said. "The command entered through the same path. The catalyst spread into a channel that offered less resistance."
Tovan still held Breakwater Aegis. "Will the next command push it farther?"
"Possibly."
"That means two days may be too long."
The older healer moved the scanner over the new branch. "Removing the plate tonight remains more dangerous. We understand where this line entered. We do not know where the others will release their catalyst if we cut them."
