“I did—but this is the Tomb of Afiele, Miss Cara. I know its worth. If it were despoiled—the dead of Noelictus, my home, rest here. It is a sacred oath. Yet your life matters. So I would rather not break either.”

He looked at her. And down at his hands. Cara hesitated. She had a sudden idea and switched targets.

Cara spread her hands out, trying to smile.

“Why are you talking as if I’m the only one who’d be free, Dalius? You’re a prisoner here too, aren’t you?

You could leave with me! You’ve been trapped here. You only volunteered. Dalius, this frees us both—”

“No.”

The man’s voice was quiet. He looked up at Cara and shook his head. His expression was mournful.

“Even should I be freed, Miss Cara, I should not go above. The dead…must not interact with the living.

We are not a Necrocracy.”

“A what?”

But Cara was already interpreting the root words. Dalius nodded at the tomb behind them.

“A nation ruled by the dead. Once—Noelictus was. But the dead make poor masters. They forget what it means to be alive. No more. I am a ghost. I should not trouble the living.”

He bowed his head. And his form grew transparent. He was then greatly surprised when Cara punched at him.

“Bullshit. Don’t give me that. You have every right to live! Even as a ghost!”

She snapped at him. The [Knight] raised his hands, retreating a pace in the air, surprised. Cara couldn’t help it. She was still—she looked back at the doors as she heard him reply.

“Cara. I am a [Knight]. I must consider my honor.”

The young woman’s head replied instantly.

“Fuck honor. Fuck duty. You’ve been trapped here for an eternity. This is torture, Dalius. I know it. No one told you to be here. They might not even know. Listen—come with me. Or I’ll find someone. Ask if you’re meant to be here.”

The ghost was shaking his head. But at that last offer he paused. Something like a smile crossed his features.

“Ah, Miss Cara. You betray yourself. You are too kind.”

She scowled at him.

“You don’t have to stay. I—I need to get out of here. Today. But come with me. I’m no warrior. I don’t even have a sword! Help me find civilization, at least! Then you can come back to the tomb, build a better door! Tell them to put down mice traps!”

The [Knight]’s face twisted. He stepped away and hung in the air, studying the door. Cara gazed up at him.

She was certain he’d do it. He’d been so hungry to hear her sing! To talk to someone—but then her certainty failed as he turned back to her and shook his head.