Qinghe stood at the threshold with Luo beside her. The active line still kept them outside the restraint corridor. Yan’s wrists and knees remained fixed to the stone, and the forced circulation scraped at his channels with every breath.
Zhao raised his voice. “The examination is over. I have authority to conduct a medical assessment.”
“Show me the written authority,” Qinghe said.
“You are not assigned to my laboratory.”
“I am a healer. I can see the bands on his wrists.” She pointed to the red marks beneath the restraints. “Stop the array and release him.”
“The restraints are part of the measurement.”
“Then the measurement is injuring him.”
Zhao did not answer. He turned his attention to the attendant at the seal.
