heard was that of his own breathing , much louder than that which would seem normal . He believed he could find his way out , he was facing towards the same route he had earlier entered , his belief being he would eventually come upon the stairs and the light from high above .
It was then he heard a whisper from somewhere close behind . A voice so soft , so gentle , he turned sharply , then stopped himself , realising the impossibility of having heard anyone . His imagination was playing tricks , as he knew himself to be the only one within the dark depths of the cavern . He heard it again , and it was not his name being called , but that of Vincenzo , and he knew of only one person to whom it might be , and felt the panic rise within his belly .
From the darkness of the black cavern came a glow , one so soft as to be no more than a faint shimmering of light . And without realising , Palatino reached out his hand as the naked form of Santina Mazzaglia took it in her own , and he was thus drawn by her , to where he found himself once more within the elaborate boudoir , their bodies entwinned upon the large bed .
As they lay exhausted in each other ’ s arms , he gazed into her beautiful eyes and saw there , such deep sorrow as the hammering upon the door came yet again . This time he did not waken , and through the remnants of the broken door strode a giant of a man . His face fierce with the anger , brought about by deceit and betrayal .
The following morning Alberto searched high and low for his Master ’ s whereabouts , but to no avail . It was
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