Page 171 of Terror at the Gates

“It does,” I said, but it was what this book reminded me of that unsettled me. It was similar to Saira’s notes, the ones she’d written in my notebook when I sat across from her in her store.

I met Zahariev’s gaze. “Did you check the basement?”

He raised a brow. “For captives? No. Why?”

“This book has had several authors,” I said. “And these are all channeled messages. As far as I’m aware, no matriarchhas the ability to speak to entities beyond the gates, which means Lisk is using witches.”

“Maybe he forced them before their executions,” he said.

I hadn’t thought about that, but it was very possible. None of these entries were dated, so it was impossible to say how old they were, but this answered the question of how Lisk knew about the blades and the gods behind the Seventh Gate.

A chorus of laughs erupted. Lisk had returned with guests.

Zahariev took my arm and pulled me behind the curtain. The window was large and the sill substantial, so we stood on it to keep from moving the drapes while Zahariev fiddled with the latch.

“I hope you have better vodka, Lisk.”

Zahariev and I exchanged a look. We knew that voice. It was Victor Viridian.

“Empty your flask already, Vic?”

That voice belonged to Serafin Sanctius.

“Fuck off, Sera,” said Victor. “It’s been a long week.”

“It’s Sunday.” The final voice was quieter than the others but derisive. It belonged to Absalom Asahel.

“Drop the righteous act, Absalom,” said Victor. “You’re here, aren’t you?”

Absalom did not reply. There was a lull in the conversation and the sound of glass clanking. I couldn’t tell where the men were. I just knew they were close enough to hear clearly. Maybe the dining room?

“To Lucius,” said Victor.

Hearing my father’s name made my heart race. There was a pause, and then the quick, crisp sound of shot glasses tapping a table.

“Poor bastard,” said Serafin. “Should have kept hisdaughter on a fucking leash.”

I ground my teeth.

“Too bad she wasn’t in that house,” said Victor.

“If Lucius had done his job, she would have been,” said Lisk. I wasn’t sure when he’d joined the others. “He failed, even in his final hour. Now we’re responsible for his trash.”

“We could execute her,” said Absalom. “Her behavior is a kind of witchcraft. It would send a message to other women who have been inspired to behave similarly.”

“We’d have to pry her out of Zareth’s hands,” said Victor. “That fucker’s in love with her even if he doesn’t realize it.”

“So he’s fallen prey to her spell,” said Absalom. “Perhaps when she is dead, he will realize the error of his ways.”

“It’s too risky,” said Serafin. “Zareth knows too much. He’ll ruin us all before we have a chance to hang her. It’s better to wait until the fire and flood.” There was silence, and then Serafin asked, “How close are we to the end?”

“Close,” said Lisk.

I wondered if he was lying or if he’d learned something new.

“Until then, we will have to continue as though we are not starting anew,” said Lisk. “Have you considered Macarius’s request?”

“The commission cannot decide without Zahariev,” said Absalom.