Chapter 33: The Theater
Elias Thorne adjusted the lapel of his borrowed coat as he walked briskly down the cobblestone street toward the grand façade of the Blackwood Theater. It was an elegant, well-maintained building, its ornate arches and gleaming windows reflecting the amber glow of the fading sun. The marquee displayed the name of the evening's performance, The Tragedy of Arthenvale, a popular play that ensured the theater would be bustling. It was the perfect opportunity for him to observe without drawing attention.
The investigation had taken him here after days of chasing faint trails and puzzling over Clara's lingering presence. He couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that her family's routines—their quiet visits to the theater on Sundays—were more than what they seemed.
The crowd swelled as he neared the entrance, a mix of refined citizens in their finest attire and working-class patrons looking for a brief escape from the drudgery of everyday life. Elias tilted his hat lower over his face, the brim casting a shadow to obscure his features. Though no one in Clara's family would likely recognize him, caution had become second nature. He needed to stay invisible.
As he entered the theater, the scent of polished wood and faint incense greeted him. The chandelier overhead bathed the grand lobby in warm light, and uniformed attendants guided guests to their seats. Elias pretended to linger, appearing indecisive about heading into the main auditorium, while his sharp eyes scanned the room.
Elias moved through the lobby, noting the lavish decor—velvet drapes, polished floors, and a mural on the ceiling depicting a celestial scene that seemed oddly familiar. He paused to study it, the depiction of radiant figures surrounded by swirling mists sparking an unsettling sense of déjà vu.
"Admiring the art, sir?" an usher asked politely.
Elias nodded with a faint smile. "Remarkable work. The artist must be talented."
The usher beamed. "Commissioned specifically for this theater decades ago. Quite unique."
With a nod, Elias thanked the usher and made his way into the auditorium. His seat was near the back, offering an excellent view of both the stage and the audience.
As the play unfolded, Elias allowed his gaze to wander, his focus not on the performance but on the people and the space around him. The audience was enraptured, but nothing about their demeanor seemed unusual. The theater staff moved about quietly, professional and unobtrusive. No one displayed any behavior that struck him as suspicious.
By the time the final act concluded and the audience rose to applaud, Elias had seen nothing out of the ordinary. The Blackwood Theater operated like any other in Arkwright, catering to the city's appetite for entertainment. But Elias wasn't ready to give up. His investigation wouldn't be complete until he understood what happened here on Sundays—the only time Clara's family ever visited.
---
Elias returned to the theater on a Sunday, but this time, the scene was entirely different. The grand doors were closed, the marquee blank, and a lone attendant stood at the entrance. Unlike the bustling atmosphere of the previous night, the building now exuded an air of exclusivity and secrecy.
Elias approached the attendant, feigning ignorance. "Good afternoon. I was hoping to attend a show today."
The man gave him a curt smile. "The theater is closed to the public on Sundays, sir."
"Closed? But why?" Elias asked, injecting just the right amount of curiosity into his tone.
"It's a private event," the attendant replied, his expression politely neutral. "Invitation only."
Elias nodded slowly, glancing over the man's shoulder at the closed doors. "Ah, I see. Thank you for letting me know."
As he walked away, Elias's mind churned. The attendant's evasive demeanor confirmed his suspicion—there was something more happening at the theater on Sundays. He lingered across the street, watching as small groups of individuals approached the theater. Each handed over what appeared to be an invitation before being allowed entry. They were careful, speaking in hushed tones and avoiding eye contact with passersby.
Elias made mental notes: the times, the mannerisms, the overall sense of secrecy. It wasn't much to go on, but it was enough to deepen his determination to uncover the truth.
---
A few days later, Elias found himself riding alongside Aric in a wagon headed toward the outskirts of Cinderreach Forest. Veylan's directives to patrol the area had become a routine assignment, though the forest had remained eerily quiet since their last major encounter.
"Any news on your odd case?" Aric asked casually, steering the conversation away from the mundane silence of the woods.
Elias hesitated for a moment before replying. "I've been looking into Clara's family. They frequent a local theater, but I found something strange. The theater holds private events on Sundays—invitation only. And the guests are… discreet."
Aric raised an eyebrow. "Discreet how?"
"They avoid drawing attention. No public announcements, no visible advertisements. Just a quiet procession of people entering a locked theater," Elias explained. "It doesn't add up. If it's just a private function, why the secrecy?"
Aric frowned. "Sounds like it could be cult activity. Or worse, rogue practitioners hiding in plain sight."
"That's my fear," Elias admitted. "I want to investigate, but I'd be walking into the unknown. It's not something I can handle alone."
Aric nodded thoughtfully. "If you're planning to infiltrate, you'll need backup. Someone who can move unseen and handle whatever nastiness might be waiting inside."
"Lenya?" Elias asked, already knowing the answer.
"She's the best choice," Aric confirmed. "Her shadow manipulation skills makes her a ghost when she wants to be. And if things go south, she can fight her way out."
Elias sighed. "I figured as much. I'll approach her, though I doubt she'll be thrilled about it."
Aric smirked. "Lenya's not as cold as she pretends to be. Besides, she owes you for keeping her amused during those training sessions."
"Amused isn't the word I'd use," Elias muttered, but a faint smile tugged at his lips.
Aric's expression turned serious. "I can't join you this time, unfortunately. I've got something personal to take care of. But if you're going into that theater, don't go in blind. Be cautious."
"I always am," Elias replied.
---
Back in Arkwright, Elias reflected on his conversation with Aric. The theater's secrecy gnawed at him, and the potential connection to Clara's case was too strong to ignore. If her family's Sunday visits were tied to the gatherings, then those gatherings could hold the key to understanding her lingering presence—and her tragic death.
But Aric was right. Walking into the unknown without support was a fool's errand. Elias would need Lenya's skills and expertise to navigate the shadows of the Blackwood Theater.
With a deep breath, he resolved to seek her help. Whatever lay behind the theater's closed doors, he would uncover it.