snow.
“Nero’s aspect brings chaos and rage. In a creature already bent toward such a state of being as he…it has taken all our strength to keep him from tearing himself, and this Dominion, to shreds. But in your arms…I see a peace in him I have not witnessed in any of the Cardinals who came before him.”
She didn’t know quite what to say to that. “I will strive to temper him as best I can.”
“I wish for you to do only that which you desire. I know your tale. I know this…” he touched the golden chain around her throat, “is a lie.”
“How…?”
“I have been blind for nigh six hundred years…but my eyes, though they be dead, see much.”
She smiled. “I would say that must be nice, but I think you are a cursed soul, Morten.”
“I am. And you are wise to know it. I have come to offer you a gift, Hope. But know that all I offer in this world is always a double-edged sword. I am incapable of being benign for the sake of it.”
She was nervous but had to know. “Oh?”
“I may share my sight with you. It will last for merely an hour…perhaps two if you are strong enough to hold its power. But you may see the face of your lover and gaze upon the city. You will know the world as others do. But you will descend back into darkness.”
She would have taken a step back if she were not already against the railing. She felt her face go cold as everything drained out of her. To see…to really see…? Her head spun. To be able to see Nero—to see the city, and the clouds, and the sky? If she held on long enough…perhaps she could even see the stars. And colors! But…at what cost? “I have come to believe of late that there is something to be said of the phrase ‘ignorance is bliss.’”
Morten chuckled. Actually chuckled. It sounded unnatural and gave her goosebumps. “You are wise, as I said. Far wiser than Nero might know. Take a moment to think it over.”
She had lived her whole life not knowing. Once she saw what she was missing, what would it be like to return to the shadows? “How are you able to do such a thing?”
“The Cardinals can share their gifts with those around them. Viktor shares his power with his city, his robots, and, quite by accident, with Rose. Hugo, as the balance of the East Wind, creates his abominations by sharing the power that dwells within him. Nero could do the same as I can, to let others borrow his gifts of fire and coercion, if he were ever able to focus on one thing long enough to try.”
It was Hope’s turn to laugh. It was such a dry, empty jab, and yet entirely on point. She thought over his offer. He seemed content to stand there silently and wait. From what Nero said, he was often mistaken for a statue. Apparently, he just sat there like a corpse in a chair for hours without moving or speaking. This was more than she had ever expected him to say and was by all accounts a rare moment.
After a long moment, she smiled faintly. “I will take you up on your offer, Cardinal.”
“It will be painful to return to the darkness.”
“I know. And if I were not in love, I would have said no. I am happy as I am. This is not a curse or a malignant disease. But…to look upon Nero…to see him smile? I think I would like that. That is what I will take with me back into the darkness I know so well. Thank you, Morten. This is a kindness.”
“No. It is not. But it is as close as I can muster.” He moved toward her, and she felt freezing cold lips press to her forehead.
Then…everything was bright.
Nero was already through the door when he saw Morten kiss her forehead. That rat bastard is stealing my wife!
But then…Hope blinked, covered her eyes with her hand, and collapsed to the ground in a heap. Rage boiled over in him, and before he could stop himself, he was on top of Morten. He had the frozen bastard by the collar and slammed him against the wall. Morten had a foot of height on him and at least a hundred pounds of muscle. But the fucker went along for the ride. “Don’t you dare touch her! What did you