I paused close to the tiny sitting area off the east hallway. The stone floor was illuminated by candlelight from the slightly open door. I took refuge in an abandoned tapestry niche's deeper shadows.

I could hear Matilda's and the replica's anxiety inside.

First, I heard the flat, serene voice of the replica: "I took the necessary action. You lacked strength. The usual sound of nothing.

Then Matilda's hard, icy voice started.

A mark, she said.

Something inside me twitched.

When a ...