Lord of Mysteries 2: Circle of Inevitability

Then, within the span of a heartbeat, he spun around and resumed his faux robber’s role.

He was anxious that Monsieur Ive might rally a force capable of reclaiming his pilfered silver coin.

Given Monsieur Ive’s infamous miserliness, such a response was within the realm of possibility!

Although Lumian was not particularly concerned about losing a single verl d’or, getting caught would undoubtedly unmask his identity.

Exiting Avenue du Marché, he nonchalantly flipped the silver coin to a destitute vagabond dozing at the street’s edge.

At the metallic ring, the man’s eyes flickered open, resting on the gleaming piece nestled under the nearby lamplight.

Once back on Rue Anarchie, Lumian peeled off his cap and coat, tucking them under his arm as he resumed his leisurely stride.

His test had confirmed his suspicions: Monsieur Ive was no ordinary man. He possessed Beyonder abilities, albeit seemingly ill-equipped for combat. He had elected to “gift” a silver coin to an apparent burglar and retreat.

This little episode filled me with a sudden, overwhelming desire for that silver coin. A desire so fierce, I nearly abandoned my true intentions, almost succumbing to madness… Lumian reflected on the strange encounter.

It was a sensation he recognized.

He had experienced a similar one when facing Susanna Mattise.

One filled him with paralyzing fear, the other stripped him of rational thought, substituting it with raw hatred.

The similarities of these abilities’ manifestations… Could Monsieur Ive be linked to Susanna Mattise? What fate could have befallen Room 504’s tenant… The Forest Fairy, the foliage, laurels… Does Théatre de l’Ancienne Cage à Pigeons have ties to Susanna Mattise as well? Lumian speculated as he retraced his steps to Auberge du Coq Doré.

He slipped into the underground bar to find Charlie, glass of beer in hand, belting out a tune with a few of the inn’s tenants.

“We impoverished souls, dwelling in the attic…”

Catching sight of Lumian’s return, Charlie excused himself and ambled over to the counter, heaving a sigh as he began,

“You wouldn’t believe what transpired this afternoon. The hotel manager nicked my drinks twice, and then had the gall to say that because of Madame Alice’s situation, he couldn’t promote me to an official attendant. I’m stuck as a lowly handyman. How utterly odious. Just how unlucky can I get?”

Suddenly, Charlie fell silent, muttering to himself, “Unlucky, unlucky…”

After repeating it a handful of times, he glanced up at Lumian, a look of surprise registering on his face at the sight of Lumian’s subtle smile.