at the woman. He realized that she could read his thoughts. Or was she just picking it up from body language? He resolved to stand completely still and look directly at her.
"Do that, if it comforts you. " Madame Cinders nodded toward Shrike. "She has no such worries, you see. Her world is black and full of secrets buried in darkness and deeper darkness. Thats why shes so valuable to me. Whats an affliction to some, is a weapon for others. " Madame Cinders paused as her pump started up again. "I know you both have a questions, but let me tell you how the girl in that portrait became the creature you see before you.
"Since the time of the Great Divide, when all the Spheres of the World broke each away from the other, my family has guarded a book. The first book. It contains the true names of all things. Someone with the understanding to use the book could blot out the sun. Turn the oceans to blood. Or close forever the doors of existence.
"The book was stolen from this very room and spirited to Hell by a demon. The same Asmodai I asked you about earlier. Asmodai is known to possess vast and arcane knowledge, so I assumed he had stolen the book for himself. After years of trying, I managed to pursue him into Hell to retrieve the book that was my responsibility to guard.
"In Hell, I learned that Asmodai was now in the employ of a powerful wizard who now makes his home in that dank and depraved realm. It was he who transfigured me from the young girl in the painting to the half-alive thing you see now. All of my strength and knowledge goes into keeping myself alive. I havent the power to fight for the book anymore. "
The pump stopped and Madame Cinders seemed to sag for a moment, then sat up straight
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