Page 176 of Death of the Glass Angel
“Have you heard of Gozt?”
“Everyone who has read a book has heard of Gozt.” He breathed out a laugh. “I should have known Janus would be enraptured by that old myth.”
“It’s not a myth.” Eros protested. “It’s archaeology.”
“What a big word,” Gemellus teased. “Archaeology is the study of ruins. Real ruins. Of places that existed. Not fantasizing about a mythical city that does not.”
“Well, whatever. I’m going to find it with her.”
A fire roared in the lounge. Quiet chatter from students gathered on the couches drifted over the crackling flames. Pausing mid-stride, Gemellus turned his head towards the mantle.
Fire. . .
Guilt tugged at Gemellus’ heart. Many would call him a villain, and perhaps they would be right. But he would not stray from his path.
“Eros,” Gemellus called. “Say today was your final day. What would you do?”
“Final day?” Eros’ wrinkled brow was audible. “I’m a half-cefra. I’ll live to be. . . like a hundred-something.”
“I know, Eros. It’s hypothetical.”
“Well, in that case.” Eros trailed off, thinking. “Do you know that stuff the lady back home sells? The frozen cream? I’d get that.”
“You’d. . . “Gemellus laughed warmly. “You’d just want ice cream?”
“Mhm!”
“For a spoiled brat, you’re surprisingly simple.” Gemellus placed a hand on his hip, then nodded. “Dragos is joyless, but someone might sell some. Come with me.”
“Are we going now?” Eros hesitated before following.
Dancing down the spiral steps, Gemellus led Eros through the back courtyard, hoping to avoid the swell of people sure to be gathering in the great hall.
“What about you?” Eros asked, trotting alongside him.
“What about me?”
“Say it was your final day. What would you do?”
“What would I do?” Gemellus paused and considered the question.
Once upon a time, his answer would have been simple, but distance had grown between him and the woman he loved. She had always shone brighter- always deserved better.
Perhaps she’d finally realized as much. But it didn’t change his answer.
Gemellus turned back to Eros. “I’d want to see the person I loved most—one last time.”
“Who’s that? Your wife?’
“I was never married,” Gemellus said. “No, I’d want more than that. I’d want to spend one last day with them, pretending we had a thousand left.”
Eros fell silent. Perhaps something so grave was beyond a child’s understanding.
“I guess that’s better than ice cream.” Eros finally said. “Can I change my answer? I’d want to spend the day with Janus.”
Gemellus chuckled. “I’m going to tell her you said that.”
“That’s okay. It’d probably cheer her up.”
