Keys to the Demon Prison (Fablehaven #5)(48)

"No," the Sphinx said with finality. He turned to Seth. "This interview is over."


Nagi Luna flailed a frustrated hand at the Sphinx, as if bidding him good riddance. Hissing and gurgling, she spat on the floor. The Sphinx climbed the ladder first. Seth followed.


At the top, he helped the Sphinx shut the grate. "She wanted your help to overthrow me?" the Sphinx asked.


"She made all sorts of offers," Seth said. "I don't see how she hasn't driven you crazy."


"Nagi Luna is a manipulator," the Sphinx said. "She employs every available tactic to find leverage. What she most desired was access to your mind."


"Were you rooting for her?" Seth asked.


"Had you been foolish enough to offer such access, I would have taken advantage of the opportunity."


"She seemed mad at you."


"She has her reasons."


"Like what?"


The Sphinx switched the torch to his other hand. "She wanted me to force you into her ring of constraint."


"Why didn't you?"


"That was not my purpose. She thought meeting you might yield useful information. I was willing to give her an opportunity to study you. But not to destroy you."


"Do I have to go back to my cell?"


"I'm afraid so."


Seth said nothing more as the Sphinx rejoined the torchbearers and they caravanned back to his cell. One of the guards opened the thick door and Seth entered.


"Home sweet home," Seth said, rubbing his hands together. "This was fun, we should do it again."


"Stay out of trouble," the Sphinx said. He gave a nod, and the guard closed the door.


Seth approached the peephole as the torches moved away. He cupped a hand beside his mouth. "Hey, I don't know who does your maintenance, but I've got a leaky roof in here." No response came. "You might want to pass that along." Still no answer. "I'm not sure where the water keeps coming from. Seems to be a limitless supply."


The torches were growing distant. A moment later, he heard a door open and clang closed. Only the indirect glow from a single unseen torch threw illumination into his cell.


Seth stepped away from the door. "Back to normal," he mumbled, patting his hands against his sides. He felt alone. "Hello, cell. How are you? Still dank and horrible? Sorry to hear it. Me? I've decided to take up a new hobby. Talking to my room. It's a lot like talking to myself, but slightly more pathetic."



As if in response, the wall at the back of the cell rumbled. A moment later, Bracken came through, bringing a white glow.


"Did you hear me?" Seth asked.


"Hear what?"


"Talking to myself?"


"No," Bracken said. "But don't worry, most of us end up chatting with ourselves on occasion. All part of the fun. How did it go?"


"He took me to meet Nagi Luna."


"You're teasing."


"I wish."


"Are you all right?"


Seth shrugged. "They didn't beat me or anything. She kept screaming in my mind. She can talk like you, telepathically. She acted like she wanted to team up against the Sphinx. What she really wanted was to get inside my head. Wait a minute."


"What?"


"When I use that coin, you can read my thoughts, can't you?"


"Yes. Mostly just the thoughts you send to me."


Seth went and plopped on the cot. It swayed and creaked beneath his weight. "How do I know that's true? How do I know you're not scouring my brain for secrets?"


"I guess you don't," Bracken said. "You don't have to use it."


"What's with everybody reading minds around here?"


"You could hear her, but she couldn't read your mind unless you let her."


"Like I let you."


"I see your concern."


Seth leaned back on his cot. He placed his hands behind his head. "Now I feel like I'm talking to a psychologist."


"Tell me about your childhood," Bracken joked.


"I've heard wraiths and zombies in my mind," Seth said. "But I've never mentally talked to a friend. Kendra used to describe what it was like talking to the Fairy Queen."


"Your sister? She spoke with the Fairy Queen?" He sounded keenly interested.


"Whoops. Maybe I shouldn't get into that. I guess it's no big secret anymore. The Sphinx knows that she's fairykind."


"You mean fairystruck?"


"No, fairykind. The Sphinx was the first to diagnose her, actually. I probably shouldn't talk about that stuff. Sounds like Maddox and the others haven't."


Bracken reached out a hand and hoisted Seth to his feet. "Whether or not the Sphinx knows about your sister, you're right that you should keep that kind of information to yourself. As a unicorn, I know the significance of a human becoming fairykind. That status is very rare, and shows a tremendous amount of trust from the Fairy Queen. She has never bestowed trust easily."