The staircase ended at a door that had no handle.
Rin stopped in front of it, studying the smooth black surface. Unlike the other doors beneath the City of First Light, this one bore no names, no symbols, and no inscriptions. It seemed less like an entrance and more like a piece of darkness cut out of the world.
Behind him, Eryndor rubbed the mark on his palm.
"Do you think this is where we'll find the first bearer?"
"I hope so."
"You sound as if you expect something worse."
"I've learned not to trust places that hide their doors."
Eryndor gave a tired laugh. "That's the first sensible thing you've said since we entered this city."
Rin turned toward him. "You keep saying that."
"Because you keep doing things that make me question your judgment."
"I'm beginning to think you enjoy criticizing me."
"Only when you deserve it."
