Anise slept for a long time, though she was plagued with nightmares. It was well past noon by the time she woke the next day but she, Senna, and Paul soon set out for Cynthia's home, pockets filled with protection spells.
No one answered the door when they knocked, but the door was unlocked. After some hesitation, they walked in, watching closely for traps and attacks. Nothing happened. In fact, the house seemed empty, unguarded.
"Don't be fooled," Senna said. "She's here."
The trio searched the house, starting with the cellar. It was dark and damp, the floor well-worn by the shoes of servants. Peering through the shelves of preserved food, it was clear that no one was there. A shake of Anise's head confirmed that no spirits were present either.
Next was the ground floor. The kitchen and dining room were neat and undisturbed. Even the parlor where atrocities had occurred not a week before was tidy. A cursory glance through the room was more than enough. The second floor was similarly empty.
"Where is she?" Paul hissed in frustration.
Senna closed her eyes and focused. Energy fizzed beneath her skin, drawing like threads of a tapestry that led her to their terminus.
"Up," she said simply.
It took two full rounds through the upper floor before they found the staircase. It was well hidden by the wardrobe in the bedroom at the end of the hall. Opening the doors, the stairs stretched ominously toward a dimly lit room. They collectively drew a deep breath before ascending silently.
In the room above, Cynthia was leaning over a human-like figure made of clay, her back to the entry.
Anise was unable to hold her tongue. "Cynthia, what is this?"
The woman whipped around. Her shock was quickly replaced by a smirk. "Have you never seen a golem before?"