Silence returned to the office, but this time it was heavier. As if the walls, silent witnesses to the revelation, had absorbed the growing tension between father and son.
Strax stared at his father. His golden eyes were darker, filled with conviction and mistrust.
"Well," he said, low but firm. "There's only one way to confirm it. Let's go to her grave."
Albert hesitated. For the first time since they had met again, his eyes seemed to lose focus. As if this was a step he never wanted to take. But the time for denial was over.
He took a deep breath. "All right."
Albert turned on his heel and headed for the door. Strax followed him in silence, his thoughts spinning like blades in his mind. The black sword on his back still throbbed slightly, as if reacting to what was to come.
