Chapter 9
Ristoph the high and mighty has deigned to meet me in a windowless building in the Church district. That in itself’s not unusual—none of the buildings here have windows—but it feels like it would be windowless no matter where it existed. Some places exude shady. The air congeals around me, heavy and dense. Ristoph is waiting.
“You did well,” he croaks. “I was worried you might falter, but you’ve shown your loyalty and dedication. Not proven, but shown,” he adds, in case I might be arrogant enough to think otherwise. The light from the hallway torches highlights the scars marbling his head. “Your next assignment will be more…challenging,” he continues. “Do you feel equal to the task? Not everyone finds peace with this form of service.”
Despite his apparent concern, only one ans
