Elder Bright's Arc

Chapter 13 of 13

Elder Bright stepped off the church path and into the city with the ring biting his finger. The gold caught light it should not have caught. Diamonds threw small white sparks against his knuckle. He pulled his sleeve down. It did not help. Word was already moving faster than he was. He cut through the small park near the data center. Squirrels scattered. A child's chalk drawing on the path showed a stick figure with a ring and a pointed hat beside it. Someone had written one word underneath. Bound. The chalk was still damp. He rubbed it out with his boot. Two witches watched him from the trees and did not move. He understood then that he would not beat the rumor on foot. He would have to walk in wearing it and name it first. The technologists' tower rose ahead, glass and gray metal, doors sealed. Hexa Vire was waiting on the front step. She did not look at his face. She looked at his hand. "You're late," she said. "And married. We heard six minutes ago." Behind her, Belladonna Blight leaned on her staff, eyes narrow. "The coven sent a bird," Belladonna said. "It got here before you did." Elder Bright lifted his hand so they could both see the ring plainly. "Then I will not waste breath denying it," he said. "I speak for Granny Mossroot. I am here to talk." Hexa Vire's mouth tightened. She turned and keyed open the door. "Inside," she said. "Before the rest of the building decides what you are." He walked in branded, but he walked in.