The platform vanished between one blink and the next, and Adam found himself surrounded by the deep red walls of Haldris' hall. The golden rims of the paintings lining them glistened like treasures at the periphery of his vision, but he ignored them this time.
His eyes, beneath furrowed brows, were on Haldris' ageless face. Though a fresh scent of damask roses lingered, he felt the air thicken as he inhaled.
"You wanted a private talk." Haldris broke the silence first, his calm voice slightly amused. "You have it, even though I hope you're not backing out of your bet with Teacher Grimhilde."
Adam shook his head. "I came for something else, Teacher Haldris—a question about constructs."
