The poet cursed, crumpled the page and flung it across the room, where it burst into flames and disappeared. She arched her arm and swung her leg to and fro, like a little dancer at the barre. Next to the poet, a green absinthe fairy balanced en pointe upon the edge of the low table.
The murky liquid swirled inside the glass, like an artist’s water jar after too many paintbrushes had been dipped into it. He hunched over a journal, scribbling furious lines of verse over the pages, pausing only to slam down gulps of absinthe from a greasy glass at his side without even bothering to mix it properly. The only other patron in the den was a brawny man in a gray jacket. The warm glow of their spark cores softened the sordid purpose of this place. Ornate brass lamps sat against the red chinoiserie wallpaper.
The windows of the café were all sealed up so no sunlight could penetrate its sanctuary. Watch my seat for me.” He swayed down the staircase on legs that were not entirely steady.Įlle slung her holdall over the back of a chair where she could keep an eye on it and sank into one of the linen-covered settees that lined the walls. I’ll go and see if I can get us some refreshments. “Always a pleasure to see you.” The sweet scent of opium rose up from his clothes as she kissed him-twice on each side, as was the custom on the Continent. He was a big bear of a man and the little shake he gave her almost lifted her off her feet. I am so glad you came.” Patrice, her docking agent, rose up from the sofa and gripped her shoulders fondly. Now she is about to meet her match in more ways than one: a handsome yet infuriating Warlock named Hugh Marsh, whose agenda is as suspect as his charms are annoyingly irresistible.The opium den above the Café du Aleix smelled of clove incense and oblivion. This enterprising young woman, the daughter of a scientific genius, has reserves of bravery and determination that even she scarcely suspects. But when they come after Elle, they get more than they bargained for. All they require is the sacrifice of a certain young woman whose past conceals a dangerous secret. Blood-sucking immortal Nightwalkers and their spellcasting Alchemist allies have a plan to cover the whole world in shadow. Now two ancient powers are preparing to strike back. But each advance of science has come at the expense of shadow - the traditional realm of the supernatural. On the side of light is a wondrous science that has transformed everyday life by harnessing magical energies to ingenious new technologies. It is 1903, and the world is divided between light and shadow. Eleanor "Elle" Chance, that is - a high-flying dirigible pilot with a taste for adventure and the heroine of this edgy new series that transforms elements of urban fantasy, steampunk, and paranormal romance into pure storytelling gold.
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