Chapter Seven
TO WENT
The rhythmic echo of Malena’s stride bounced back and forth through the warren of inner passageways until it dwindled to who knew where. The vast complex of the Imperial Bays was so ancient it was hard to imagine how it was still standing, yet here it was, in the place where the first archangels had built it, turning on the skin of Giahn as if linked to eternity itself.
She paused when she reached the final hall. An image of Mael of Maatu’s disapproving gaze flashed an overlay to her memories of this place – but that was yesterday. Today she would be back in the Chime and the whole sorry issue left behind.
The last layer between her and her contract was a carved stone wall punctuated by long row of doors. Each carried a number written in a style as ancient as the
