Chapter 159: Clear as Mud

The Maestra was silent for a few moments before giving a small nod. The three of them stood frozen, finally exhaling the breath they didn't realize they were holding.

"She's the most important thing in your life, isn't she?" The Maestra smiled softly, as though asking for Eternity in exchange for Evan's life wasn't the devastating request it clearly was.

"You said you'd save both of us!" Evan wanted to shout, but his voice came out as a desperate rasp. "My life isn't worth living if you take Eternity away from me!"

Out of nowhere, and without any reason to, the Maestra laughed.

"Do you see?" she said gleefully, her light tone at odds with the tension filling the room. "Can you hear your desperation? That's exactly what I need in exchange for my help."

"Why are you doing this?" Freiheit whispered, his face mirroring Evan's confusion and frustration. "This doesn't sound like an alternative at all."

The Maestra shot him a sidelong glance.