"It is no matter," he whispers. The shadows draw even closer around them, and it is as if the candle in the window is the only light in the whole world. The library has disappeared entirely.

He is on his knees before her, and yet their gaze is almost eye to eye. He lets her have the high ground, looking up to her with an almost worshipful gaze.

"There are other things you can place on my tongue, beautiful one."