Page 102 of Where Darkness Falls

“Another time,”he replied, quickly dropping the dome and leaving without another word.

Perhaps I offended him.

Or,Saoirse interjects,perhaps he’s making sure that armor is extra shiny for tonight.

Before I can stop it, a small laugh bubbles out of me.

The Cadre stops walking, assessing me in the dimly lit corridor.

“Is something amusing you?” Virgil asks.

I’m grateful for the shadows, because it hides how flushed my cheeks are currently. “Ohh, it’s nothing,” I murmur.

Riordan smiles conspiratorially. “No, something made you laugh,” Riordan teases. “Do enlighten us.”

I wonder if I should use Emyr’s name or his title since we are out in the open.

I opt for his title just in case someone is listening, but either way, this will be embarrassing.

The bloody voice in my head,I curse.

“Ohhhh… well… I was just thinking about the High General,” I say. “I was imagining him polishing his armor so it will be extra shiny tonight. Which is why he isn’t here currently.”

All is silent, then they erupt into fits of laughter as they walk.

“That sounds just like something he’d do,” Riordan laughs.

“The High General loves his shiny armor,” Virgil says with a wink.

Thank you for that,I grimace.

Happy to amuse you, my dear,Saoirse replies.

The palace seems quite empty compared to the usual hustle and bustle during the day. Even the wailing spirits are silent, which I find unnerving. They seldom cease their crying, which makes me question what will befall me this evening if even the ghosts cower and hide.

“The spirits also attend the festivities,” Virgil whispers, as if he could hear my thoughts. “They find the dances amusing.”

I stare at my Galrosan escort curiously. “You speak to them?” I ask.

“Celestae, no,” Virgil laughs. “They just show up at the events, watching from above as creatures and people alike twirl along the grass. I believe it reminds them of their lives before they died.”

Well, I suppose that makes sense.

I hadn’t noticed when we exited the halls of the palace, because we now stand at the entrance of what I assume is the Masquerade of Shadows. Two large puke-green ogres dressed in some sort of waistcoats are holding scrolls in their hands—checking the names of all those that enter under the large bramble-hedged archway. And we’re next in line.

My grip around Virgil’s arm tightens as my breathing hastens.

Sensing my trepidation, his free hand rests atop mine as he leans in close.

“Be brave, Little Star,” he whispers.

Little Star.

A wave of comfort washes over me, even as my nerves overwhelm me. Before long, we’re stepping up to the two hulking creatures. Laisren tells them our names, and the ogres check the scrolls before waving a hand for us to pass on through. As we enter the garden, I’m immediately drawn into its extravagance. Thousands of small twinkling candles are strewn between bushes and trees, offering subtle light through the dark gray mist. A small orchestra of cellos, flutes, lyres, and violins play haunting melodies, to which creatures and people of various sizes and shapes waltz along the open grassy area that I assume is to be the dance floor. Along the furthest recesses of the garden are tables lined with rows and rows of food. Cakes, scones, muffins, meats, cheeses, and even fruits that I’ve never seen before are available for all to feast upon.

This one spread could have fed all of Aurelius.

And then some,Saoirse growls.

---