CHAPTER THIRTYThe Machine
The labyrinth grew quiet and still. The dull padding of footsteps in the sandy corridor ceased. When complete silence met my raised head, I ventured from beneath the blankets. The warmth disappeared immediately, despite the fire smouldering in the grate. An involuntary shiver ricocheted through me as a cool draught nipped my bare ankles. My warm bed called me back, but I couldn’t risk delaying any longer. Limah’s absence made the women sloppy and they’d left my door unlocked. I wouldn’t get another gift like that again. I hoped any watchmen would take advantage of the Master’s late homecoming too and afford me an easy exit. With my wits returned, spending another shift in the washing room with Hosta would end in murder. Hers.
Shedding the voluminous nightdress,
