“It was. A horrendous betrayal. When Mothlock began its transition into what it is now, there were some who didn’t agree with his mission. He believed whole-heartedly in honoring the Saints while slighting the Devil, and that the best way to do so was to encourage one’s mastery of brilliance. Mothlock was planned to be a place of learning in order to achieve this goal. He didn’t consider there’d be those who would take advantage of his generosity. He was killed not a decade in.”
Lux stepped back several paces to better view the portrait’s features. Frustration filled her. “Why does everything good die young while evil lives forever? I will never understand it.” She scowled up at the painting. “Did they find his murderer?”
“They did not.”
“Of course, they didn’t.” She was all too familiar with murderers being allowed to walk free.Though, Shaw doesn’t count.
Her glance landed next on the ivory statues flanking the portrait. Full-bodied but vague, entirely without faces, and lit by the same flickering blue flames as the shop in Loxlen. Each were draped in long, flowing robes, both with crowns of thorns. Lux peered up at the one nearest her.
“What do these represent?” she wondered aloud.
“The Saints.”
“But faceless? I’ve never seen them this way.” Hardly any way, if she were being honest, but the sentiment was the same.
“It was purposefully done. So anyone might imagine themselves in their place.” Corvin drew a deep breath. “Shall we continue up to your room?”
Immediate awareness over the cling of her worn clothes and the emptiness in her belly overcame Lux. And though she hadmany questions—and a fair few concerns—she said, “You’ll get no argument from me.”
Bythethirdfloor,Lux draped bodily over the protruded balcony.
“You climb this every day?”
Corvin chuckled, not the least bit winded. But then he didn’t have the circles beneath his eyes like she did. “When I’m at home, yes. Your legs will adjust.”
Lux stared down and down, skeptical of his confidence in her. Until her thoughts faltered. She saw something she hadn’t before: Words in the lacquered floor. Burned or painted or carved in some way she couldn’t fathom, it would have been impossible to discern up close, blending in with the natural whorls of wood. But up here?
May Your Mastery Be Limitless
When a figure, cloaked and hooded, tread slowly across them, she reeled back.
“A collector,” said Corvin, following her stare. “Don’t be alarmed when you find me in the same stuffy garb tomorrow.”
She pressed a fist to her breastbone, willing the tightness away. She couldn’t help imagining the phantom inside. ImaginingRiseldainside. Lux shoved herself from the railing. That womanhauntedher. Her nails cut into her palms only to keep the sudden fury at bay. Would she ever be free of the torment?
She cleared her constricted throat. “Seems bothersome while reading.”
“Well, it isn’t only reading that we do. But sure. I suppose it can be uncomfortable if it’s not laundered properly. Ready for the final stretch?”
Lux eyed the last staircase and groaned. “You collectors must live healthy, long lives with this routine.”
“Generally,” said Corvin, humor still in his voice.
“Fine. If only for your Manphry’s promise of dinner.”
“One more floor,” he said, coaxing. “I have faith you can make it.”
Lux did, indeed, make it.
Or she would have—if the toe of her boot had cleared the final stair. She stumbled. Corvin reached, his arm wrapping firmly about her waist to right her, and her cheeks flamed when he released his grip.
“Are you all right?” he asked. “I should have offered you my arm from the start. I’m not used to escorting anyone, and especially not someone I admire so much. I think it’s lapsed my judgement.”
Lux bit back a scoff and shook free of her embarrassment. “You admireme?Why?”
“I can’t believe you have to ask.” His gaze searched her face. “You’ve masterednecromancy, one of the rarest and most difficult of gifts. And it’s a feat you’ve managed all on your own. Of course I would admire you.”
Lux moved farther onto the landing, breaking his gaze and putting distance between herself and his admirations. Her attention settled on the balcony ahead. There were no more floors after this one that she could tell—only a lit corridor. Strange, considering she’d eyed a tower outside.
