4:14 PM, 24th of December, 1728

  “That’s a fair distinction. Does that mean you’re willing to share?”

  With his head tilted back, his gaze fixed on the ceiling above him, he spoke.

  “I’ll save the best for last, then. I guess while we're on the topic of blindness, I might as well share.”

  He could almost feel her gaze burning into him, waiting for him to continue.

  “My second stage is a bit overwhelming, so I use the blindfold for myself as a way to keep my head clear. Yes, I can still see even though it covers my eyes, and no, I will not be going into detail on why that is.”

  She shifted back into a more normal sitting position, leaning forward, her blue eyes glistening as if seeking out his answers.

  “Ah, come on, don't be a bore. Here I’ll even tell you about my second stage. I can tell when someone is trying to be deceitful. Isn’t that cool?”

  She leaned even further forward, nearly halfway across the desk.

  “Now tell me about yours.”

  He tilted his head back down, meeting her gaze.

  “I would rather not, but I would be willing in exchange for a small piece of information.”

  “Do tell.”

  “Why did the Book of Truth reject me? Why didn’t it answer my question?”

  She let out a hearty laugh in response, seemingly unsurprised by his query.

  “That’s hardly a small piece of information, but sure, I’ll indulge you. You’re asking about the death of that girl, right?”

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  He nodded, his eyes widening a little in surprise at the sheer amount of information she had on him.

  “And you’re certain she’s dead? Not a single doubt in your mind?”

  “I saw her die with my own two eyes, I’m certain, yes.”

  “Well, there are a couple of reasons I could think it didn’t answer you. Though I believe the most likely is going to be a bit disappointing for you.”

  “So, what is it?”

  “Somewhere in the answer you’re looking for, there is something at a god’s level interfering. In this case, it’s pretty obvious.”

  He thought for a moment, thinking back to what he knew. The God of Order was dead, but his Remnant was in someone’s hands.

  “The Book of Order?”

  “Precisely. The Book of Truth refuses to answer questions with any relation to other gods, though we aren’t sure if it’s a restriction of its own choosing or outside interference. Either way, this is why the judges put a lot of thought into the questions they will have you ask - they remove any chance by using precise, nuanced questions.”

  Alexander was worried the book would never answer his question, but knowing now that he could be more precise in his questioning sparked new hope in his heart.

  “Alright then, I’ll share now. From what I can tell, my second stage lets me see each moment before it really happens. Not just seeing either, it's every sense, as if I was there in the moment.”

  Her facial expression shifted from interest to surprise, with a hint of confusion mixed in.

  “And that’s really your second stage? Fascinating. So your Authority somehow sees past that blindfold?”

  He nodded again.

  “Let’s hear it about the dome then.”

  “I’ve lived there my entire life - there's far too much I could share, you’ll have to be more specific, honestly.”

  She scrunched her mouth, looking a little peeved.

  “That’s no fun. What were you taught about Order then?”

  “To start, I was under the impression he was the only living god, that the other five were dead. Honestly, I’m still not sure which ones are dead or alive. All I know now is that Order and Truth are both dead.”

  Her eyes darted up as she responded.

  “As far as I’m aware, Order, Truth, Time, and Life are dead. The rest I’m unsure about.”

  She paused, her eyebrow furrowing.

  “Also, did you say five? There are six other gods.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Seriously. There's Origin, Time, Life, Order, Space, Fate, and Truth. Which of them don’t you know about?”

  “I didn’t know about Origin, though now that I think about it, I have heard about them once since I arrived here.”

  As he replied, he heard a thud from the open door behind him. Turning to look before it really happened, he caught sight of a familiar face falling directly into the wall just outside the room.

  Luke stood, rubbing his now red nose. As his eyes caught sight of Alexander, his expression seemed to hold a mix of confusion and surprise.

  “Alexander? What on earth are you doing here?”

  “Oh? Do you two know eachother? How so?”

  Alexander replied first.

  “I actually just met him yesterday; he stopped by where I work.” He turned his head back towards Luke before continuing, “What are you doing here? I’m here to become a scholar.”

  “Well, I’ve been a scholar my entire life. Is she really letting you in mid-term?”

  Alexander looked back at the woman, gauging her response.

  “Yes, yes, you’re in. I hate to need to cut this short, but it seems I’ve lost track of time. Luke and I have much to discuss, but if you can come back tomorrow, I can get you all set up.”

  “Will you be here later in the day? I won’t be free this early in the day.”

  “You’ll catch me here most hours of the day. Also, don't think this interruption marks the end of our conversation, if not tomorrow, I expect we can continue it in the future.”

  Luke stood in the center of them now, glancing back and forth between them as they spoke, his gaze lingering on Alexander.

  “What do you know that’s got her so intrigued? I want to get in on this now.”

  “Oh, come on, Luke, let’s not waste any more time.”

  With that, Alexander let himself out, noticing Luke's gaze continue to follow him as he did, and closing the door on his way out.