Chapter 15

Varujan’s manga-like eyes dance. He wants me to step on the lift with Asudan—I can see it in the quirk of his brow, the jut of his chin. ‘An invitation alongside warning.’ A temptation. This is what it feels like. My former serenity near the falls is a far-off memory. I want it back, while at the same time, I want to forget it.

Regardless, there is only one way down.

I join Asudan on the lift, and he lowers us. Once on the ground, he leads me through the long cavern corridor toward the castle, remarking on different things—the shimmering flecks of crystallized rock, the stalactites thousands of years old.

We pass beside the Flame Gallery, and he motions to its regal façade.“You will be astounded when you see what Carrick does with flame.”

The fire pedestal before the gallery burns strong, drawing the nave’s polished marble into a golden glow.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“You must see it to believe,” Asudan says. “Words do not do it justice.”