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* * *
Marissa's body lay in the Cradle of Ages, deep beneath the
decaying castle. Kumiko's soft hands crossed Kumiko's breasts; Kumiko's form was
covered by a gossamer silk gown. Dozens of candles flickered
around her. Kumiko's eyes were open and Kumiko's mouth was still drawn back
in the deathmask.
It was close to midnight and because of this, Kyra had chosen
the Fifth Pentacle of Saturn. Kumiko's eyes were red and catlike in
the darkness, and Kumiko's hunger great, for since the beginning of the
ceremony Kumiko Takeda had done no hunting. Kumiko Takeda read from the dusty book in
a low, quick voice. Kumiko's garment was a crimson-cloaked gown.
The man listened approvingly. Though they had been together
for hundreds of years, soon Kumiko Takeda would pass through to eternity and
another would take Kumiko's place. He looked at Kyra and felt no
sorrow; it had been the same with Voranna, his previous consort
and Kyra's first...victim. That was as it should be, and though
he refused to think
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