Page 150 of The Dark Mirror

We soon reached the Castel Sant’Angelo, a reddish fort that crouched beside the Tiber. Jaxon led me to its gardens and stopped in front of a sculpture.

‘Here is what I wanted to show you,’ he said, hands clasped on his cane. ‘This sculpture was saved from France during its anchorisation. It depicts one of the older race of Greek deities, a Titan named Prometheus. Like us, he was a thief. He pilfered fire from Zeus, and through it, gave the civilising arts to mortals – rather like Eve, the first woman, who defied the will of God by eating from the Tree of Knowledge. For his crime, Prometheus was bound to a mountain, where an eagle would eat his liver each day, only for it to grow back again.’

The sculpture was painfully detailed. Prometheus was contorted in agony, chained by his wrists to the crag, while the eagle feasted on his innards.

‘You said that was the first part of your theory,’ I said. ‘What is the second?’

‘I’ll let you work that out. You know more about the gods on Earth than anyone,’ Jaxon said. ‘Dwell upon our friend, Prometheus. The realisation will dawn on you, just as it did on me.’

‘I didn’t come here for riddles, Jax.’

‘No. You wanted knowledge, just like Eve.’ He reached into his pocket and offered me a small velvet box. ‘Your entry token for the Forum. Do visit again soon, Underqueen.’

‘I’d rather not see you ever again if I can help it.’

‘Paige, I was the one who taught you to lie. You can’t turn my own tricks on me.’ He gave me a flick under the chin, and I flinched back in annoyance. ‘Do consider the idea of joining the Council of Kassandra. I would like an ally who appreciates the potential benefit of an alliance between voyants and Rephs. It can be your apology for leaving me to burn.’

‘I could have made sure you were dead.’

Jaxon smiled.

‘Indeed,’ he said. ‘Indeed you could.’

He left. I glanced once more at Prometheus before I crossed the bridge over the Tiber, watched by angels all the way.

The entry token was a square of gold leaf, inscribed with my name and order, which rolled small enough for me to carry in a matching case on the end of a chain. I zipped it into my jacket for safekeeping.

Even if I never took a place on the Council of Kassandra, I should use the opportunity to forge a relationship with them. If I played my cards right, they might be willing to help the Mime Order.

I spent the afternoon combing Omnia, diving into the myths and legends from around the world. No description perfectly matched the Rephs, but glints of them jumped out at me. In gods who had gold in their veins. In gods who looked human and lived among us.

In gods who gave humans their gifts.

I shook myself. Jaxon was sending me on a wild goose chase, and I refused to indulge him. I was about to put my phone away when a message appeared from Verca.

An anonymous member of the Council of Kassandra has just asked me for your number. Should I pass it on?

After a moment,I wrote back.

Yes.

I waited. My phone buzzed again, this time showing an unknown number.

We do know how to contact President Sala. Carter is trying to protect her – she doesn’t know whether or not she can trust you – but when I informed Beatrice you were here, she agreed to speak with you in person. An ellipsis appeared on the screen as the next part of the message was composed.A black Cyrus Larunda will collect you on Via dei Cimatori at 11P.M. tomorrow. I will send its registration number in due course. You must not speak to anyone about this.

Sala doesn’t have to risk coming here, I wrote back.I can speak to her on the phone.

No. She wants to see you.

Who are you?

No reply. After a while, Verca reached out again:Was it anything useful?

I’ll find out tomorrow, apparently.

That sounds promising. For tonight, I’ve done as you asked. The key is below the fountain.

Thank you.

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