Page 87 of Eternal Craving

“He threatens Columbus?”

“When Columbus finds land, Grenaldi plans to claim it.”

“Heismad. When this gets into the king’s hands?—”

“You will be free to take care of your parish.”

He rolled up the letter and peeked again at the contents of the box.

“One more thing,” I said. “Behind the bookcase in Grenaldi’s office is a secret chamber, in case the authorities need more evidence.”

To appear as a convincing religious zealot, I lingered for a moment to kneel before the altar. I genuflected and then headed out, passing the font full to the brim with holy water.

Something in the receptacle caught my eye.

I approached and, careful to avoid contact with what could likely burn me, I leaned in to get a glimpse.

After I caught my breath, I took another look. My reflection stared back. Although I recognized a little of the old Daumia, there were real changes in my appearance, my hazel eyes wereluminous, and my chiseled bone structure was more defined and striking – and my hair was sticking up.

Still faking my humanity, I left the church and approached the carriage slowly, not wanting to alert anyone who saw me. I gave a nod to our horseman that we were ready for our journey to Palos and climbed in, sitting opposite Sunaria.

With a crack of the whip and a jolt, the horses trotted off, pulling our carriage along. We rocked as the wheels rolled over the worn cobblestones of the churchyard.“Interesting church.” I flattened my hair with my palm.

Sunaria gazed out the window. “Will you ever forgive me for bringing you over?”

I rested my feet on the seat beside her. “It’s not like you to ask for forgiveness.”“You have more time with your son.”

“And even more time with you.”

Moonlight shimmered off her dark locks and her perfect, porcelain complexion. Her blue-green irises glistened more intensely when her mood was dark, like it was now.

I took her hand and kissed it. “Let me in.”

She sighed.

“Promise you’ll never leave me,” I whispered.

“Do I detect a hint of weakness from my dark lord?”

“Is that what you’re calling me now?”

“A new life deserves a new name.”

A thrill coursed down my spine as she allowed me access to her thoughts, even though it was fleeting. “Lord of the underworld?” I repeated her silent words.

“It suits you,” she said. “My beloved.”My Orpheus.

Chapter Thirty-One

Set the proverbial fire and then step back and observe the destruction of Felipe Grenaldi’s political career, his impending downfall. I pondered how our plan had unfolded upon the high seas, impatient for it to be over.

Sunaria, however, had remarkable patience – a hint of her longevity.

She’d found us a residence near the Ocean View Manor. I delighted in her find and had been more than pleased to take refuge in such luxury.

I was done with cobwebs.

The great house was nestled amongst sprawling hills. Inside, the décor paid homage to decadence. The previous residents had adored all things French, their expensive tastes evident in the fine furnishings. It was the consummate hiding place.