“Secrets and fears once whispered,
“Secrets and fears once whispered,become strengths.”
become strengths.”Night had fallen upon them darkly.
Every candle, oil lamp, and lantern they could find staved it off. They were shadows within the light. Hovering apparitions that swayed and drifted, seeming to float, not walk, as the work moved them from wall to wall.
Most of the others—their families and friends—had gone home to their beds; only three remained, there but not. Sansone, Leonardo, and Patrizio were soundly asleep. They slumped on the floor, their backs to the wall just outside the chapel. Fiammetta peered down at them fondly as she passed, returning from the studio, clasping fresh brushes.
“Viviana?” she called softly. “Come see, Viviana.”
Carrying her brush with its bristles of
