Page 45 of The Bone Season

‘I see you have brought our curiosity,’ she said. ‘Good evening, 40.’

Warden stayed on one knee at my side, gaze downcast. A strange way to greet his partner, but customs might be different in the Netherworld.

‘I understand my consort found you close to Amaurotic House. You have taken it upon yourself to feed one of its occupants,’ Nashira said. ‘The Grey Keeper distributes the amaurotics’ rations. Your intervention demonstrates contempt for his authority.’

‘Yes.’ I heard myself say it. ‘He should pick on someone his own size.’

‘You will address the Suzerain with respect,’ said the one who resembled Pleione. ‘Unless she invites you to speak, hold your tongue.’

‘Peace, Alsafi,’ Nashira said. ‘40 is new, but she will learn.’

With all my willpower, I swallowed my retort. Nashira gave the smallest nod, and Warden stood. After a moment, I did the same.

‘I trust Arcturus has told you why you are here, 40,’ Nashira said. ‘You may be surprised to be summoned this soon, but your gift is of great interest to us. As was the incident that led to your arrest.’

Warden stepped away from me, while Alsafi left through a side door. Nashira and I were now facing each other across the room.

‘Your first test is simple,’ she said. ‘All we ask is that you show us your gift.’

I glanced at the other Rephs. Surely they didn’t want me to fight her.

‘I will ask you again,’ Nashira said. ‘What manner of clairvoyant are you?’

I wet my lips. My best way out of this might still be to feign ignorance.

‘I told you at the oration,’ I said. ‘I don’t know.’

‘Tell us about your clairvoyance, then.’

A draught blew into the chamber. It cut into my undershirt, leaving me stiff with goosebumps.

If I did nothing, surely they would have to fail me. They might send me straight to the Rookery. I could learn a few circus tricks, keep a low profile, start looking for a means of escape.

Jaxon leaned out from my memory, teaching me how to charm and deceive:A lie is harder to distinguish when it dances with the truth.

‘I’m sensitive to the æther. I feel it a long way around me,’ I said. ‘Sometimes I see visions of the future. They give me headaches.’

‘Show us,’ Nashira said. ‘Send us a vision.’

‘They come at random times. I don’t know how to share them, in any case.’

‘How convenient.’ Her tone never changed. ‘You would have me think you are an untaught oracle. Doubtless this deception has been successful in the past. The differences between auras can be subtle, but no oracle can kill with their spirit.’

Now I was remembering the swoop into darkness. The unbearable pain, as if my own body was punishing me for what I had done.

‘I didn’t kill anyone.’ I held my voice steady. ‘It was the poltergeists.’

‘Of the two bodies found on the train, only one bore signs of a poltergeist attack,’ Nashira said. ‘There was also a survivor, whose spirit had been violently dislodged. He, too, was unmarked.’

Scion had conscripted my father for his expertise in forensic pathology. I wondered if they had forced him to examine the bodies.

‘They attacked me, too.’ I showed her the scars on my left palm. ‘See these?’

‘Those marks were noted upon your arrival here,’ Nashira said, ‘but they are not recent. Our eyes can tell, even if yours cannot.’

I fisted my hand at my side.

‘You caused two deaths that night,’ she said. ‘I believe you can project your spirit from your body. For your first test, I would like you to do it again.’

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