Alchemy of Secrets

by Stephanie Garber

“Your father gave me this before he died. He had decided to take my advice: He said the power of the Alchemical Heart was too much for anyone to possess, and he couldn’t give it to either of the devils.” “Wait,” Holland interrupted again, “please—what do you mean by either of the devils?” Quietly, he said, “There are two men who make up the devil. Two brothers.” The Watch Man’s eyes went back toward Adam, and this time, Holland had a sinking feeling that he wasn’t making sure Adam was asleep. “Are you saying—” “No—” the Watch Man cut in. “I’ve not said anything.” But once again, his gaze rested on Adam, and Holland knew exactly what he wasn’t saying. Lying beside her, eyes gently closed, golden hair strewn across his forehead, Adam definitely didn’t look like a devil. Maybe she’d thought so when she first met him, but now he just seemed like a reckless young man with a beautiful face. “Are you certain?” Holland asked the Watch Man. “I saw him get shot. I saw him bleed.” “I did not say he was God.” The Watch Man pressed his lips into a frustrated line. “Now, would you like to waste more time debating this or shall I tell you what your father said?”