Severus followed Nadia into the main keep.
There was no sign of abandonment inside. The black marble floor gleamed like a mirror, and at the far end of the hall hung a black curtain descending from the ceiling, reflecting colorful lights like stars.
"Welcome." Lyall Mayer's voice came from behind the curtain.
"Where is she?" Severus asked directly.
"She isn't in Tuileries Palace. The last time I encountered her was at Saint Luke Palace," Lyall said. "Even if you enter that palace, you won't be able to find her."
"You misled me," Severus said through gritted teeth. "For what? The map?"
Lyall sighed. "I had no choice."
"What do you want?" Severus asked.
"Was the Sorcerer's Stone really destroyed?"
Severus curled his lips. "You want to use it to make yourself another body?"
"Answer my question."
"Of course."
"You saw it with your own eyes?"
Severus did not answer.
"You are a Death Eater, yet you are irreconcilable with the Dark Lord. I think I know who you are now—Severus Snape. Everyone thought you were dead."
"I have no time to reminisce. If I agree to your terms, will you tell me how to get to Saint Luke Palace?"
"I haven't even stated my terms yet."
"I won't make vows so casually again." He raised his right hand, bearing the scar left by the Unbreakable Vow. "Either believe me, or wait to die."
"If I die, you will lose your clue as well," Lyall said with a smile. "She will remain in that world. You don't think wizards are absolutely safe over there, do you?"
"What is over there?"
"The Scourers. Those mercenaries usually operate in the New World, but as long as there is business, they are willing to come to Europe too. I remember Napoleon had a secret