Destrius' mansion thrummed with activity over the next three days. While some servants swept and mopped every nook and cranny of the expansive estate, others attended to decorations. They festooned the columns of the enormous ballroom with thick ropes of white and yellow flowers. A few brave souls on lofty ladders polished the chandelier until it shone. Thick bouquets of violet flowers stood in tall glass vases all throughout the mansion, infusing the air with their sweet, delicate fragrance.

On the morning before the party, enormous masses of meat, vegetables, fruit, and grains--including a black goose and a boar--were transported to the kitchens through the back entrance. Cedric and Adrian watched the endless procession from the balcony where they'd taken lunch with Destrius, which afforded them a prime view of the activities below.

"See the goose? That'll be first on my plate," Adrian said. He took another bite of the apple he'd liberated from the ever-replenishing fruit bowl in their chambers.

"I think if we stay too long, we'll be too fat for Nightwind to bear," Cedric said. He picked another candied cherry from the bowl beside him and chewed appreciatively.

"Careful with those, otherwise you'll be too fat for your regalia," Adrian observed.

A few days ago, he, Destrius, and Cedric had deliberated together on what the latter would wear so as to better conceal his features. In the end, they'd agreed that the chances of the widely beloved, illustrious host's "nephew" facing accusations of being the kingdom bounty were practically negligible. They'd settled on a midnight-blue sleeveless ensemble with a half-shoulder cloak that faded into shimmering silver at its end. Adrian had chosen a less extravagant costume for himself, a white tunic and a black tailcoat.

In private, Adrian had asked Cedric why he couldn't project the cloaking aura as he'd done before, and Cedric had simply replied that the diamond was no longer yielding to him.

"What does that mean?" Adrian said, bewildered.

Cedric shrugged. "What does it matter?"

And that'd been that.

Adrian snuck a glance at Cedric, who was polishing off the last of the candied cherries. Something about him was amiss ever since they'd entered Faircross--no, ever since they'd encountered Rhea. Perhaps it was time for Adrian to address it rather than wait for Cedric to do so, the likelihood of which seemed to be diminishing by the day.

After the party, he promised. Let him--let us both enjoy ourselves for once.

*

Guests began to arrive as the last rays of sunlight diminished from the horizon. From the balcony in their chambers, Adrian watched them file into Destrius' mansion with growing wonder.

Their garments were eclectic and varied, ranging from conservative to practically nonexistent. One in particular left a distinct impression on Adrian's mind--a figure-hugging silk dress of shimmering gold, worn by a laughing, olive-toned woman with long, dark hair.

"Cedric, you've got to see this," Adrian called. "Enough with your primping, already."

The bathroom door opened, Adrian turned, and his next words died in his throat.

Cedric's long, lustrous hair was combed forward to fall over one shoulder, and sparkled as if scattered with tiny stars. Black wings lined his upper lids, something clear and glossy coated his lips. His garments were utterly reinvented in combination with these new elements; he seemed neither man nor woman, but a mythical creature risen above such petty designations.

Flora, one of the twin servant girls, emerged from behind him holding various cosmetics in her hands. Like the rest of the servants, she was garbed in white for the occasion. "Does this please you, master?"

Adrian nodded numbly, which was then followed by the belated realization that she obviously wasn't addressing him. Cedric smiled. "Your turn, Adrian."

He gave a flustered laugh. "Oh no, I don't think that would suit--" His objections were cut off by Cedric's disarmingly strong grip pulling him forward.

*

The curved outer wall of the crowded ballroom was built entirely of gold-framed glass, allowing a seamless view into the gardens. A band of musicians near the back played sprightly, cheerful music. Chattering guests partook of the wandering platters borne aloft by servants while others sampled from a long, well-laden table at the center. The light was surprisingly dim, and rather comforting.

A few guests looked to them upon their approach, and not entirely with contempt, or so Cedric hoped.

He and Adrian, who were practically touching shoulders, both jumped when a broad hand clapped the latter on the back.

"What'd you think?" Destrius said, eyes twinkling. He held a full goblet in his other hand and gestured at the crowd with it. "This is Faircross. She is pleased to make your proper acquaintance."

"It's… new for us," Adrian halted. He glanced at Cedric and they shared a nervous chuckle.

"Come, I'll introduce you. Trust me lads, you'll have to beat them away with a stick."

The next hour passed by in a whirlwind of faces, names, and favorable appraisals. After Destrius at last left them to their own devices, Cedric and Adrian promptly extricated themselves and made for the banquet table for a much-needed respite.

As promised, Adrian tackled the black goose first. He carved a generous slice from the glossy carcass and stuffed it straight into his mouth. Cedric couldn't resist snorting at his friend's glassy-eyed expression while he chewed.

"You won't be laughing in a second," Adrian declared. He carved another, smaller piece from the breast and held it in front of Cedric's face. Cedric rolled his eyes, but then relented and opened his mouth.

The meat was smoky, rich, and tender. "Fine, you win," Cedric conceded. He took a plate from the tall stack beside him and began to serve himself a little of everything, the first being another slice of black goose. Adrian did the same.

A large silver tray at the center of the table caught his eye, upon which sat about a hundred little porcelain cups filled with transparent liquid. He reached out for one just as Adrian's hand shot out to grasp his forearm.

"Don't drink that," Adrian said in a strangled voice. His eyes, fetchingly lined with kohl, were wide and alarmed.

"What do you--"

"It's terramancy, Cedric. Whatever is in those cups…" For some reason, he was flushing a dark red that was visible even in the dim light. He suppressed a mortified bark of laughter. "Come on, let's find somewhere we can eat."

They seated themselves at one of the round tables along the outer edge of the ballroom. Adrian stared out at the dark silhouette of the gardens, but didn't appear to truly see them. His food lay untouched.

Cedric scowled. "Do you mean to tell me, or am I meant to guess?"

Adrian tore his eyes away from the window, then met Cedric's gaze with an almost maniacal twinkle of mirth. "They're… um… stimulants."

"Stimulants? For what?"

"For… exciting certain… " A snort of laughter escaped him, and he covered his mouth. "Destrius was right," he said through his fingers. "This is not the sort of party we'd--"

"What the blazes are you--" Cedric began, right before the pieces suddenly fell into place. "Oh."

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He studied the crowd. Most were couples and even trios, laughing and conversing with their arms entwined around their partners. Men with men, women with women, and plenty of combinations in-between. The many appreciative appraisals that he and Adrian had been subjected to now took on a whole new meaning. Even now, a few guests glanced their way in open invitation.

Cedric's skin prickled with sudden heat.

"You do know what I'm talking about, don't you?" Adrian said, grinning. "I mean, not concerning experience, but that you at least know--"

"I know the theory," Cedric snapped, his neck beginning to flush. Long ago, Alvir had informed him of the concept, though in clinical and matter-of-fact terms. "As for experience, I suppose I've been too busy running for my life." He considered Adrian. "What's your excuse?"

Adrian's smile briefly faltered. "Weren't you paying attention? Until three days ago, all of Laetera was beneath me."

A boisterously drunk Destrius materialized from the crowd and plopped down at their table with a mighty thump.

"Enjoying yourselves, lads?" he inquired with a pronounced slur in his speech.

"Very much," Adrian said hurriedly. "There's no need for you to supervise us. Your friends--"

"Nonsense, you're my honored guests!" he bellowed. He waved his goblet until the wine nearly sloshed out. "If my honored guests aren't happy, then cursed be the whole lot of--"

"The food is wonderful, sir," Cedric cut in. "I've never had such exquisite fare."

"Aye, it gladdens me to hear that even with the shortages…"

"Shortages?" Adrian asked in bemusement. "The procession this morning could feed hundreds."

"Ordinarily, I'd have ordered double that," Destrius said. "The prices continue to climb, thanks to droughts and disease and that bloody Blight. One lousy boar and black goose, at one of my parties! A disgrace, that is…"

Cedric and Adrian shared disbelieving looks.

Destrius gulped down another helping of wine, then grinned. "You lads have made quite the impression, you know. You'll have your pick of the lot, guaranteed." He leaned toward Adrian with a not-so-conspiratorial whisper, "Choose Killian. That one, with the rose in his hair. Oh, the things that boy can do…"

"Destrius!" warbled a female voice from behind him. A short, pale woman sauntered up to their table. She wore a lilac dress with a neckline that plunged past her ribcage. Her long, loose hair was the color of white gold, and light blue eyes roamed wildly below an equally pale brow. She held one of the little porcelain cups between two fingers. "You haven't abandoned me, have you?" she chirped in mock betrayal. She shot a sultry wink at Cedric.

He recalled her name: Lena. She'd been one of the countless faces that Destrius had initially introduced them to.

"I could never abandon such an exquisite creature, my dear," Destrius said. He waved a hand at Cedric and Adrian. "I believe you're already acquainted with my nephews."

"Indeed I am," Lena purred. She stepped forward and sank side-saddle onto Cedric's lap as if she belonged there. He jumped in surprise, and Adrian hid a snicker behind his hand. "Where have you been hiding this lovely little thing, my friend?" Her free hand trailed a faint line down his cheek. Her spiced perfume and misty, heavily-lidded gaze drove all else from his mind.

"Now, now, not so fast," Destrius chided. "Besides, the poor lad's much too young for you."

Lena scoffed, but rose from her perch. She drained the porcelain cup in one gulp and smacked her lips. "Then I'll simply amuse myself with the hundred or so who'd beg to have me." Lena flounced back into the crowd.

Destrius smiled fondly at Cedric. "Worry not, I can recognize a cornered look anywhere."

Cedric let out the breath he'd been holding. "Thank you."

"She'd eat you alive," he said. "And I couldn't let that happen to my honored guest, could I?" With a broad wink, Destrius rose from the table to rejoin the festivities.

The party was gradually changing before their eyes. There was now a languid, sensuous quality to the crowd's movements; the air was thick with anticipation and hunger. The musicians had long departed, and the enormous tray with the little porcelain cups was most likely empty.

Cedric turned to Adrian. "Fresh air?" he proposed.

*

The gardens weren't entirely deserted. Several clusters of partygoers giggled amongst thickets of flora on either side of the winding stone paths. The air was warm and spiced with a hundred different kinds of perfume, some from warm bodies, others from the garden's lavish assortments of flowers.

Cedric and Adrian made their way around the estate, past the ballroom and the majority of the guests to a deserted area with a bubbling marble fountain. Smiling, Cedric pointed to a small balcony that protruded fifteen feet above their heads. He extended a hand, and Adrian took it on reflex before he could even conjure a question.

Cedric draped Adrian's arm across his left shoulder and held his waist with his right hand. Then, the ground vanished beneath them as they catapulted upwards as if violently launched.

"What the--" Adrian gasped before they cleared the banister and landed on the balcony with a hard thump. He stared at Cedric, whose perfectly-styled hair had now come free and wild. Cedric grinned, clearly pleased with himself.

"Did you just… jump?" Adrian said, leaning over the edge of the balcony to reassess the significant height they'd traversed.

"We're not finished yet," Cedric said, pointing upwards.

They jumped again, even higher this time, and landed on the red-tiled roof with another hard impact.

Surrounding them on all sides was Faircross, bustling and gleaming even at this time of night. Few structures matched their vantage point, allowing them an unfettered view of the city below.

Cedric closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He turned left toward the market, where they'd indulged in their thieving spree a few days ago. "A fight has broken out in the cloth sector. Guards are coming."

"How can you possibly--" Adrian stopped himself. Of course he can. "At nighttime, you're... stronger?"

"Of a sort," Cedric said. He opened his eyes and appraised the sky. "At nighttime, the darkness and I are one."

"That's how you found Braeden. And the stream." Ignorant seemed too mild a description, now; willfully blind seemed more appropriate.

Cedric took a seat on the tiles, and Adrian joined him. They looked out at the city and the stars in companionable silence.

Eventually, Adrian broke it. "Lena, was it? She was rather taken with you."

He scowled, though his color rose a little. "Don't start."

"I mean, if there was ever a good time to begin--" Cedric shoved Adrian's shoulder. "All right, point taken," he laughed.

"What about Killian, with the rose in his hair?" Cedric's tone loosened to imitate Destrius' drunken slur. "'Oh, the things that boy can do…'"

Adrian aimed a swat at Cedric's head. The latter dodged it with a smirk of vindication.

His expression then turned serious. "But it's true? He referred you to a man, not a woman."

Adrian's ears began to burn. He nodded, avoiding Cedric's eyes.

"You never told me."

"I myself was unaware until a few days ago."

"Let me guess, you'd thought all of Laetera beneath you and never thought to consider beyond that?"

He chuckled weakly. "If I were here, I would have surely realized it sooner."

Cedric mulled over this new information. "Destrius committed grave harm to you, didn't he?" he said quietly.

Adrian frowned. "All he did was leave me behind."

"Aye, it was his inaction that inflicted a lonely and difficult life on you. His complacency, his cowardice." Cedric glanced down at his clasped hands. "Funny, how the absence of action can also do harm."

"What are you getting at?"

He shrugged. "After Rhea, I suppose I've been trying to pinpoint when, exactly, this world crossed the threshold of no return. The Madness is the obvious answer, but what if it was simply an inevitable culmination?"

"Of what?"

"Of the way things already were. You heard Destrius--for him, one boar and one black goose at his party is a sign of desperate times, of shame. If a wealthy commoner sees the world as such, how much further removed would Rava the Mad have been? Yet he thought himself wise and powerful enough to eradicate all evil from the minds of subjects he barely understood."

"He'd lived as the rest of the Heirs did, isolated in a cold marble tower. No one in millennia thought to challenge or question their forsaking of their people, their greedy hoarding of Her gifts regardless of need."

"They were complacent, you mean?"

"I can't blame the state of the world on one individual. Not even my predecessor." He paused. "Perhaps it's time I stop blaming only myself, too."

"For Jana and Alvir," Adrian said, heart pounding.

Cedric's jaw worked.

"You mentioned them to Rhea. Were they your guardians?"

"My rescuers. A Blade found them."

"Through no fault of yours."

"Perhaps not all of it. I had no say in my imprisonment, I didn't wield the blade that killed them, and the decision to take me in was theirs, not mine. Now, I'm willing to try to believe that."

Adrian scooted closer to Cedric, so that their shoulders touched. "But ever since Rhea, you've adopted this… uncaring recklessness, instead."

"Would you fault me for that? Ayo will unleash another calamity in a few months, the Goddess is dying, and there's nothing I can do." He twisted his mouth. "None of this matters anymore."

"The people still matter," Adrian said. He felt his pulse quicken as a sudden clarity emerged. "Everyone, including that family who took you in. You've condemned complacency as the true downfall of the world. Are you to submit to it, too?"

Anger flashed across Cedric's face. "Not even the blasted diamond responds to me now! What would you have me do?"

"I'm holding you to your own convictions. If you're truly powerless, so be it. Better that than a hypocrite."

They glared at each other. Cedric's nostrils flared as he visibly resisted his rising temper. Then, a mocking half-smile twisted his features.

"What's this? Adrian of Laetera, concerning himself with worldly affairs?"

Adrian shook his head. "No, just you."

Cedric considered this. "You're right," he admitted ruefully. "If I can buy even one additional day for Oleanna, Thomas, Grace…" His eyes lit up. "The diamond hoard! Eris showed it to me, in the stone circle. Without an Awakening, Ayo will need every diamond in the Vault, tens of thousands of them. If I can enter the Capital somehow, find and destroy every gemstone they have…"

His exhilaration leapt out past the exotic makeup and struck Adrian square in the chest with an aching pang. Then, Kaia's voice emerged from some dark recess of his memory, piercing him like barbed hooks.

Whatever you do now will never be enough. He'll never feel the same.

Adrian swallowed the sudden lump in his throat and forced an answering grin. "To Borne, then? Tomorrow?"

"Aye," Cedric agreed. He paused, then reached into his pocket and withdrew the black diamond. Beneath the faint starlight, its insides pulsed and swirled with inky smoke.

"What is it?" Adrian asked apprehensively.

"I… I feel it." Cedric stared in wonder. "It's calling to me again."