Shadows

It was hardly a difficult request, but Anderson asked in confusion, "Wasn't that part in the story you read?"

"Obviously not," Neph replied without the slightest trace of guilt.

Anderson had no idea how to respond. He glanced at Neph and began cautiously, "Creator of all wisdom, eyes that behold knowledge, ruler of reason-"

Neph's expression grew increasingly strange as he recited the honorific name. Anderson noticed, and his heart sank a little. "Is something wrong?" he asked tentatively.

Nothing much, really. That honorific name does sound a little familiar, but it shouldn't point to-actually, there probably isn't much difference. If I remember correctly, because the Lord has so few believers, he pays close attention to every single one. With what you've done, he's probably been watching you for ages-

Neph shook her head. "Nothing. I just thought of something.

"Speaking of which, no one has ever answered that modified honorific name of yours, have they?"

"Of course not." Anderson looked as though that went without saying. "The core of that honorific name still points to the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, doesn't it?"

Hearing the caution in his voice, Neph couldn't help laughing. "I thought you really were that reckless. So you do know how to be careful?"

"I'm not Danitz." Anderson's smile widened a little. "I'm not about to screw myself over that badly."

He had brought up Danitz again. Neph frowned at him but said nothing.

After what had happened today, she knew Anderson would do everything he could to get close to Danitz. Judging by the current timing, Neph realized that certain events were about to overlap with the "plot" again.

Irritation rose within her. After a glance at Danitz, she suppressed it again and lowered her eyes coldly. "Tell Edwina I'm leaving."

She vanished abruptly.