Chapter 242

COMPARED TO THE OTHER FLOORS this floor shone with light and I couldn't see any wood panelling, instead marbled dove grey stone walls and floors that reflected the light from ornate iron and glass lamps hanging from the ceiling. It felt like stepping into an art gallery, so pristine and modern; but the coppery scent of blood stopped me. I paused in the narrow corridor, ears straining to make out the strange grating sound I could hear. It seemed vaguely familiar, yet set my teeth on edge.

Keeping my shield in place I followed the corridor around to the left and around further until I reached an archway. Peering through I saw a spacious corridor with archways into alcoves down either side. From this archway I could count three on the left and two on the right, although it looked like the end one on the left might lead to the stairwell. The archways had elaborate wrought iron detailing over the stone and more lamps hung down. That odd grating noise continued intermittently but I couldn't