Page 106 of Death of the Glass Angel
Gemellus hesitated before answering. “No. I can’t.”
“Do you have to be born with it?”
“No. In theory, anyone could use it.” Gemellus turned a hand over. “But the sacrifice required is so antithetical to human nature, even training cannot grant you its gift.”
“So,” Talon twirled the quill, “Only Alfaris and Felsin can wield it.”
“As far as I’m aware.”
Talon’s hand jerked. “Heras knows Alfaris. He said it himself. What if he showed her the same thing he showed Janus? Showed her the future.”
Des bolted off the couch. He was right. Why hadn’t she seen it earlier?
“A fair assumption.” Gemellus agreed. “That would explain why nobody can find the assassin’s motive; whatever you and Felsin do to earn death is written in fate and has yet to pass.”
“She wants to prevent something.” Des breathed. “But what?”
“You tell me.” Talon teased, smirking at her. “You’re the one who does it.”
“Give me that.” Des sat beside him and stole the quill. She added another name to the chart: Eros.
“Add the glassy-eyed nightmares.” Talon leaned toward her.
Gemellus paced around the table. “Why would someone be asking about a years-dead child?”
“Heras thought he was murdered,” Des muttered, adding a few more notes to their evidence board. “It has something to do with why I have to die.” Biting her lip, she added a final name: Brand.
“Felsin shared with me his brother’s strange attitude.” Gemellus paused behind the couch, looming over Des. “But it seems none of us can decide if he despises you, or is trying to provoke you.”
“Maybe,” Talon suggested, “He hates her for something she does later.”
Des leaned back, recalling Brand’s words. ‘Least of all what’s coming for them.’ ‘Do you truly not know?’
“Whether his ire is justified or not,” Gemellus continued pacing, “He’d best watch his tongue around you from here on out.”
“Are you going to kill him, or am I?” Talon snatched the quill back and added anmarite to the list. “Have you seen this?” He grabbed the diagram from the compound and offered it to Gemellus.
Even hidden behind a blindfold, Gemellus’ glare could have melted ice. Talon immediately rescinded his offer.
“Want me to describe it to you?” He tried again.
“Yes.” Gemellus drawled.
“Looks like armor,” Des said. “A full suit covers every inch of their skin.”
“Made from anmarite?” Gemellus laughed. “I can’t fault their ambition, but such a feat seems. . . unlikely.”
“But someone has forged anmarite.” Leaping up, Des ran to her room and fished through her bag, finding the glass angel. Cradling it carefully, she presented the winged pendant to Gemellus.
“Look at this.” She tapped the silver wings. “Isn’t this anmarite?”
“Des,” Gemellus said quietly.
Oh. Normally, she was better about remembering he was blind. Talon snickered.
“Take it then.” She offered it to him. “Touch it, or whatever you do.”
“Touch it? Do you think I rub my hands over the palace walls to get around?”
