Chapter 18: A Temporary Peace Offering and the First Horseman

Alix had been holed up in her little workshop and forge since agreeing to work with Este and the two hunters. When she finally came out the next afternoon, she carried a long narrow box under her arm and followed the sound of voices into the kitchen where Este and Marie sat at the island counter and Zadkiel stood going through the drawers and cabinets in search of matches to start a fire in the stove. Alix snapped her fingers in front of the door as she passed and a fire blazed to life inside.

“Ah, thank you,” he spoke quietly before busying himself with a pot of tea. She nodded absentmindedly, already otherwise occupied by the time she brushed past him.

“I cut off your arm right at the socket, correct?” Este looked up in surprise at the question.

“Yes, how’d you know?” Alix set her box on the counter.

“I’m older than Death and lived for a long time with the Chroniclers, I’ve had plenty of time to study anatomy,” she spoke bluntly as she opened the case.