Weight of the World

Chapter Thirty-Nine

—Tregaar—

The soft glow of the television flickered in the room. Rhenna's eyes were heavy, but she continued to watch the screen projected onto Raler's wall, not really taking in anything she saw. The sound was dulled so as not to disturb anyone nearby. She didn't know how thin the walls were and if the sound would keep them up. She wasn't really interested in the material anyway. She had passed through the various channels, but nothing had caught her eye. Hyun had explained that this was a popular way to pass time for most people in the city. The invention had come out some five years ago, and the people had instantly liked it. But Rhenna didn't see the appeal of such a mindless activity. She only kept it on now as a way to stay awake.

Her eyes flickered over to the clock sitting on Raler's bedside table. It was after midnight and Raler still wasn't home. Sahn had returned before sunset and had told the other Silencers what had occurred out in the city. Despite what had happened, Sahn had assured her that Raler would be fine, but his assurances weren't enough. She needed to see him for herself to know he was alright.

But the hours kept ticking away and he still wasn't there. Rhenna maneuvered herself to the other side of the bed, burying her head in his pillow. It smelled like him. She didn't know why, but it eased the anxiety coiling in her stomach. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she thought about waking up in his arms. The anxiety blossomed into something else, heat rising into her cheeks as she remembered the way he had reacted to her. Sharing a bed with him was dangerous, she knew. She was deeply attracted to him, and it wouldn't take much for him to convince her to share herself. But getting involved with him was such a bad idea for so many reasons.

Rolling onto her back, Rhenna let out a deep sigh. It was no use. She wasn't going to be able to sleep until he came back, but she was tired of lying there waiting away the hours. So, instead, she got up and made her way from the room. During the day the Silencers were meant to watch her like a hawk, but now, they were either gone or resting, earning her the opportunity to sneak out unnoticed and explore Light Tower.

She felt the slightest twinge of guilt as she slipped out into the hall. She had never really been one for going against orders. She had always obeyed her parents growing up, but even though she felt guilty, Rhenna would rather take her chances exploring Light Tower for useful information than remaining in bed fretting all night.

Closing the door silently behind her, Rhenna was careful of her surroundings as she made her way down the barren hall. Her goal was to reach Regis' office. She knew vaguely where it was located, partly through what Seleth and others had described to her of the layout of Light Tower, and partly through directly asking Sahn when he had returned that evening. There had been a sparkle in his eye when he told her the best route to take late at night. It was a risk, she knew, but it was late enough that it was unlikely for Regis to still be in his office.

Rhenna stopped dead in her tracks as she came around the next corner, nearly colliding with a figure moving in her direction. Despite the shock of it, the stranger merely took a few steps back and smiled kindly at her. The other woman wore the robes of an archbishop, white and trimmed with gold, a copy of The Broken Song perched at her hip. The Archbishop tilted her head, a flash of recognition in her eyes.

"Aren't you Miss Rhenna Carlisle? The one who saved Vera the other night?" she asked.

Rhenna nodded slowly, realizing she was going to be sent back to her room soon enough. The Archbishop laughed as she glanced over her shoulder. There were no guards in their vicinity.