I feared the black, remembering the devouring feeling of it the first time, when Demetrius led me to Wilhelm Castle. But this was different, whether because I was in control or due to Ameline's presence. I didn't suffer soul-eating terror from the crushing pull of the dark. This experience slid past smooth and quiet, like riding an underground river to our destination.

We emerged in a stone room, both of us stepping out together, hand in hand. Liander Belaisle hovered over a ...