Chapter 39

• Chapter 39: master of puppets
• The crystalline sconces' dim radiance threw spooky refractions over the ragged walls, shrouding the huge room in gloom. Veyron stood in the middle of it, looking around at the people. They were a motley crew of sycophants, informants, and mercenaries who were drawn to him like moths to fire. He enjoyed the way their eyes flashed to his but never stayed, the way they were afraid.
• "Are we clear?" Veyron's piercing and purposeful voice broke through the muttering. The only sound to break the silence was the distant trickle of water from the cavern's roof. The gathered crowd reluctantly nodded, not wanting to say anything.