Lowry tipped so far back in his chair, Wren prayed he would fall backward into the fire. “What do you think of the décor?”

It seemed he intended to toy with her. “It’s lovely.”

“Lovely, yes. It’s remarkable, too. While you were gone, I finally finished wiring the grand hall. For the first time, this estate will be lit by hundreds and hundreds of incandescent lightbulbs.” Lowry looked almost longing. “Soon enough, you’ll never need to waste candles again. All across the country, marvels like these are becoming a reality. A device that will let you communicate verbally over long distances. Carriages powered not by horses, but by combustion engines.”

Wren did not have it in her to look impressed.

“Where’s your sense of wonder tonight?” He clucked his tongue. “It will be spectacular—a showcase suited for the star-studded company we shall have. We Cernosians are always eager to share our knowledge. We are always looking forward, progressing, evolving. See, the evolution of species is such a fascinating, frustrating concept. I—you are familiar, yes?”

She would endure his prattling, but she would not abide condescension. “Of course I am.”

“Ah, excellent. Then stop me if I’m wrong. From my understanding, it claims that the fittest survive—that mutation drives genetic variation. It stands to reason that you mages are the more evolved of us humans.” His voice grew darker, more fervent. “Yet Cernos has immense wealth, expansive trading routes, and technology that you could not dream of achieving for decades. We are superior by all accounts, and yet we have never been taken seriously as a global power. Why do you think that is?”

Wren let out a thin breath through her teeth. “Magic.”

“Magic.” Lowry snapped his fingers. “Exactly. In this war-torn world, all anyone cares about is magic. But for hundreds of years, Danu and Vesria have sent your mages to die like dogs in the street. You’ve squandered this genetic gift. Used it for your squabbles over nonsense like religion. Just imagine if every healer applied themselves to research as you do. What diseases could be cured? How long would your people live?”

Wren remained silent.

“Oh, very well. Shall we reframe the discussion?” He leaned forward. “You’re a woman of the Goddess. Tell me, why do you suppose your people were blessed with magic, while mine were left to wallow in our ordinariness? Why has the Goddess abandoned us, when we are the civilized ones?”

“I thought you weren’t interested in your father’s work,” she said bitterly.

Lowry laughed softly. “I’ve a curious mind, Ms. Southerland. His death has left me with so many questions.”