Page 130 of Death of the Glass Angel
Legends said the oldest tower in Thuatia became a golden clock tower at the stroke of midnight on the eve of Yesharu’s feast. Supposedly, you could see it from anywhere in the country if only you gazed at the moon.
The minute hand struck midnight. But nothing happened. The night remained dark, the moon unchanged.
Eros gasped, pointing. “Look! Did you see it?”
“See what?” Evander asked, leaning forward.
Frowning, Janus squinted, straining to glimpse the legend. The brief hope she felt petered out as the horizon remained a simple night sky.
Eros looked between them, bewildered. “Did you miss it?”
“Miss what, Eros?” Evander asked, exasperated.
“The tower! It changed!” Eros insisted. “It turned bronze, and. . . and. . .” He stumbled over his words in his excitement.
Evander chuckled. “You have an active imagination.”
“No, it did!” Eros doubled down. “You both froze, like you weren’t moving. . .and. . .” He trailed off, frustrated and disappointed to see the same confusion in Janus’s eyes.
Humoring him, Janus scooted closer. “What did it look like?”
The kid spread his arms. “It had great wings and a giant clock face. It must have risen to the moon itself.” His voice echoed with awe, before his eyes snapped into clarity. “Kind of like those fortune cards.”
“What fortune cards?” Evander asked.
“Gem told me about them. It looks like one. It means. . .” Eros’ eyes darted around. “Salvation, I think. See? My resolution is going to come true.”
“By the gods,” Evander said dramatically. “I’m sorry I doubted you.”
Eros beamed, staring at the spot where he’d imagined the tower. Janus followed his gaze, wondering if there was a chance the kid was telling the truth.
Maybe it didn’t matter. Evander had always told Janus times like these were precious, even if she didn’t always listen.
Grabbing her brother’s arms, Janus pulled them close, enjoying the quiet evening and cool wind. Eros leaned on her shoulder, gaze ever fixed to the heavens.
33
Talon/Janus
My sister died by my hand. Given any other choice, I would have spared her. Death awaited her, be it by flame or blade. So I gave her the quicker end.
-Excerpt from Alfaris’ private journal
Badulf Esseg loomed over them, gaze cast downward. Pleasant scents wafted from the incense, burning in the dim light. Chatter filled the space as people had lost their solemnity in their impatience.
He missed something.A voice whispered.
He’s missing it.
Invariably, the voices repeated that phrase.
Raising his chin, Talon searched for Janus but didn’t see a neat bun of black hair or the silver embroidered ebony cloak.
“Oh, boy,” Talon muttered under his breath as he stood, spinning to get a better look around. Where could Janus have possibly wandered off to? Nobody was supposed to leave the chambers until judgment was passed.
He’s missing something.
Missing it. The voices echoed.
