Lucien stared at her for a long moment before his gaze drifted back to the machine. The rhythmic hum that had filled the underground chamber slowly died as he reached over and pulled a heavy iron lever. The gears groaned in protest before finally coming to a complete stop.
Without a word, he gestured toward the staircase.
"Come."
Aveline followed him back into the laboratory above. She could almost see the thoughts battling behind his eyes. He was choosing his words—or perhaps choosing which truths he was willing to reveal.
The laboratory was as cluttered as ever. Scrolls, tools, and half-finished contraptions occupied nearly every available surface. Lucien glanced around, searching for somewhere she could sit, before giving up entirely. He simply patted the edge of one of the sturdy worktables.
"Sit."
Aveline climbed onto the table, folding her hands neatly in her lap while Lucien remained standing before her. For a while, he merely studied her face.
Finally, he spoke.
