Thunder roars above our heads. Lady Starcovesky growls lowly “We are not murders, boy. We aren’t going to harm the girl.” Zen says nothing, only looks down at her icily. The expression on his face is inscrutable, and if it wasn’t for the utter stillness of his frame, I would think he’s as calm as
“Worry not, scholar.” Lady Starcovesky says, noticing the look on my face, and hands me the small lamp “She’s not dangerous. It’s likely that she would just overlook you when she doesn’t recognize you.” I nod, and push fear to the very back of my mind. It doesn’t matter anyway. This is what I came
Lady Starcovesky gives me a somber glance, and closes the door behind. The smell of blood and the sound of singing is forever burned in my memory. “Did you pray for her?” She asks me, her eyes downcast “Will… she find peace?” I’m at a loss for words. Everything that comes to mind turns to dust on
“Hey!” A familiar voice calls from one of the bigger tables “You three! Over here!” I turn my head, and find the other four already at the table. Lukas, Zen and I walk over to the rest of the expedition team. Zen pulls a chair for me, before pulling a chair from a nearby free table and putting it a
“It’s empty,” Lukas peers at it from the side “Are you sure this has traces?” “It reeks.” Zen says simply “And it’s warm. Like it’s been placed beside a fire for long.” I can’t say anything of what it smells like, but I felt the same thing. It’s oddly warm. “It’s buzzing too.” I touch a finger to
“God, I’m dying.” In the underground library, surrounded by piles of books on the cold floor, I’m sitting leaning against a bookshelf. It’s been three days since we found that notebook. Two days since Lady Starcovesky’s daughter-in-law was swiftly executed by one of Lukas’ people. One day since I’
“What do you mean?” My voice has lost all joviality Arzen barks out a laugh at the look on my face, the condescending smile that I’ve come to associate with him flickering over his lips, golden eyes crinkled. “At ease, my dear. I only meant that the Empress has asked me to escort you to the Royal
“Thank you. When— “In exchange of your joining me for dinner, of course.” Arzen says with a sly smile No. No. It’s not worth it if I throttle him. “That invitation is for me and my soulmate both, I hope?” I ask with a stiff smile “Zepherin is rather busy these days, resolving matters of His Hous