“I understand. But the corridor is not the best place. The chapel itself? Now that is the right spot for an experiment. And it’s right through here.”
He turned left, stepping through an arched doorway into a small, ornate chapel. The ceiling was domed and high, the walls decorated with statues and spaces where statues had once stood. Seats and tables dotted the room, all intricately carved. The whole place was an absolute marvel. But nothing held a candle to the myriad glowing lights dancing in the air.
“How does it do that?”
“Prismatic lenses built into the dome. The light from the sun is bent and funneled through the stone, its constituent rays then released into the air above.”
“But it’s dancing, like an aurora borealis.”
“I don’t know what an aurora borealis is, but I do know that what you are witnessing is a marvel of the elders not replicated in modern chapel design.”
“Why not? It’s beautiful.”
“Beautiful, but distracting, is what I’ve been told. But at least this chapel still exists, and I am pleased to be able to share it with you, Ella. It is my special place, ignored by all others.”
“Really?”
“I think the order has simply forgotten about it over the years.”
“Except you.”
“Yes. Except me.”
“You’re a bit of an anomaly, aren’t you?”
“Perhaps some might say that. Now, go ahead. See what happens when you shout in the main chamber.”
“You sure?”
“Oh, I am,” he replied with a knowing grin.
“Okay, here goes. Echoooooo!”
Where the corridor had felt almost claustrophobic when it absorbed the sound, in this open space it felt entirely different. More than that, the undulating waves of light dancing in the air reacted, churning and folding upon themselves as the soundwaves were somehow swallowed by the light.
Ella’s eyes went wide, her whole body tingling with emotion. It was quite possibly the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen, and it was reacting to her. To her voice. Her sounds. Tears welled up in her eyes and she shouted out again. Sound after sound, singing, yelling, laughing, all of it creating a light and color show the likes of which she’d never imagined possible.
Finally, after what felt like forever, she lowered her gaze to the man watching her with an affectionate gleam in his eyes.
“I’m glad you like it,” he said, pleased with her reaction.
“Like it? I love it.”
“I had hoped you would. And tomorrow, if you’re up for it, we will visit another wonder.”
“Up for it? You know I am.”
“Then it’s a date. I mean, an outing. You know what I mean.”
“Why, Father, are you getting fresh?”
“You know I’m not. And, though I know you enjoy calling me that, again, my kind have taken vows. You would do better to put those thoughts out of your mind. It will only lead to frustration.”
Ella chuckled, a warm ball of fuzzy heat in her belly. Vows or not, Draikis was charming as hell, and she’d have had to be a corpse to not be attracted to him.
“So, you have more secret places to show me?”
“Not all are secret, but all are wonderful. And with your skin finally healed enough, I think you are ready for what I have planned for tomorrow’s outing.”
