Something Was Wrong

Luther met Amyrius's cold stare calmly.

This Imperative Mage put little pressure on him. If anything, Luther found it funny. He could still picture Amyrius clutching his head, howling and rolling on the ground after Luther had defeated him last time. Now he was lecturing everyone with an air of dignity. The contrast was almost comical.

The others did not share his sense of humor. Pressure built around them until they could barely breathe, as though the force of the two men's wills had turned the air in the room solid.

"Hmph."

After what felt like an eternity, just as many of them could bear it no longer, Amyrius gave a cold snort and sat back down.

"Fine. I'll sit here and see what the Church of Evernight can find out."

His tone was sharp.

"Thank you for your cooperation."

Luther thanked him without a trace of emotion, then motioned for Leonard to follow and sat down across from Sival Negan without ceremony.

"Your Grace, could you tell us what happened that day?"

He looked the young man in the eye.

Sival Negan was thin and pale. Perhaps the strain of recent days had taken its toll; he looked even more gaunt than he had at the ball.

Yet, to Luther's surprise, Sival nodded calmly. The young man who had inherited the title so early seemed much steadier now. He no longer looked angry and agitated as he had before. In fact, he bore some resemblance to his father.

"I know what you want to ask."

He said, "As you suggested, we might as well be direct... I did kill Framis Cage."

The admission sent a shock through the room.

The entire reception room erupted. The members of the Church of Storms looked stunned, while those from the Church of