Loading...
In the study on the third floor of the Immers home, Karon kept his eyes on the candle. The blue flame wavered from time to time, despite the doors and windows all being shut. There was no wind that could slip in.
The sensation of being watched never left. At first it came from two corners of the study.
Yes, two gazes, Karon was certain of it. There were two gazes watching him.
At first, they merely examined him with a bit of curiosity, but then they had started to observe him in earnest. After that, they had fallen into some kind of contemplation. Their attention was gradually turning mild.
The oppressive tension from the start was steadily receding. The prickling discomfort of sitting on needles was gone. Karon’s posture shifted from rigidly upright to something chosen for comfort.
His back rested against the chair, his hands settled on the armrests, yet his gaze never left the flame. He had moved his legs, lifting one and crossing them.
The flame before him resembled a painting, and Karon watched it as though appreciating its continuous dance. At the same time, he understood clearly that the one watching the painting was also a painting in someone else’s eyes.
It was difficult to describe the atmosphere in precise words. It was not cold, nor sinister. There was a restrained subtlety, a faintly hesitant composure. It might leave you slightly at a loss, yet it also brought a kind of reassurance, a quiet steadiness.
The candle had already burned down by half. It did not feel too slow, because time was not dragging. There was also no wish that it would burn slower, because there was no need.
As the flame burned, there was no black, white, or yellow smoke. Instead, something else rose with the substance of the burning itself, and it was called acceptance.
***
Oak Cemetery.
Alfred was controlling his emotions, doing...
Unlock free chapters every day
Bookmark your novel and never lose track of your progress
Share your thoughts with your favorite translator in the comments.
