Page 75 of The Mask Falling

Without answering, I paced to the window.

I thought of a world in which Nashira was no longer revered. It was tempting. Yet it would go against every principle I had to work with a Grand Inquisitor.

The Mime Order needed to expand its horizons, but I had other irons in the fire. If I got out of here alive, I might be able to strike an alliance with Ducos. I might also have the Parisian syndicate, if I could crush the corruption and find the people who supported my cause.

“Sorry,” I said at last. “I will not ask my soldiers to work with Ménard. I will not put him in touch with my allies—Rephaite or human—and I will not be staying here to discuss the matter any further. It’s a pipe dream.” In the dim reflection, I saw his brow furrow. “What?”

“I hoped you would give it some more thought,” Cade admitted. “I thought you, of all people, would see the gray.”

“Meaning?”

“You worked with the scarred ones.”

“Don’t insult my judgment, Cade. The scarred ones aren’t perfect, I grant you, but they’ve worked for decades to help us. Ménard has worked for decades to kill us.” I nodded to the door. “Go on. You’re wasting your breath here. And I’m sure the love of your life is waiting.”

“Do you think I don’t know what she is, Paige?” He spoke too softly for the Vigiles outside to hear, but with passion enough to draw my gaze. “Why do you think I let it go so far?”

“I have no idea.”

“I thought if she fell in love with me, she might start seeing us as people. Might find it harder to watch us die.” His voice was flat, hollow. “I’ve made mistakes. I also want to do the right thing for voyants. I believe you do as well.”

“Don’t underestimate what I’d do to defeat Scion.”

“I always thought you’d do anything.”

“Look, this is war. There are always going to be different factions,” I said. “I see your perspective. I just don’t agree with it. I’m sorry, but I can’t work with you on this.”

Cade considered my face, lifting his hands to the back of his head. At last, he heaved a sigh.

“I don’t want you to leave,” he confessed. “I could use some voyant company in here, and I think you could have furthered the cause—but I do understand. Having said that, I would appreciate it if you’d at least give it a day or two. Pretend you’re considering. It would help me keep my head.”

“Fine,” I said, “but I’ll need a bit more freedom. There was a reason I came here, and it wasn’t to sit in an attic.”

“I’ll try,” Cade said. “And you keep my secret.” He stood and offered a hand. “Deal?”

I shook it. “Deal.”

“Good.” He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Thank you. For listening, at least.”

“Cade,” I said. He stopped halfway to the door. “Thanks for the shirt.”

“Keep it. Luce wanted you to freeze,” he said, with the facial equivalent of a shrug, “but I guess I can screw her in more ways than one.”

One knock on the door, and he was gone. The silence of the attic wound like rope around me.

I had the information Ducos needed. Now for the task I had set for myself. Whatever plans Ménard had for Sheol II, I needed to know where it was, or where it would be. I needed to take control.

The foul drink had worn off, and the æther embraced me like an old friend. I went to the window and pressed my brow to the glass. Outside, the stars were scattershot on a black canvas.

I’m alive.I willed him to hear me across the divide.In the Hôtel Garuche. Give me two days—then be ready to help me get out of here, Arcturus, or the next string I get caught in will be around my neck.

10

Revelation

It was a long night. Snow fanned across the courtyard, a fine layer of frost silvered the windows, and the dripping tap in my cell picked at the edges of my sanity. Beneath the mantle, I muffled my vicious coughs on a cushion. It eased the pain a little if I lay on my right side.

To distract myself, I sought Ménard in the æther. Logically, I knew he couldn’t feel me unless I touched his dreamscape, but even using my gift covertly now felt too much like playing with fire.

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