With the first part of the "funeral" concluded, one of the townspeople spoke to Lucian. They wore black funeral clothes and had long, flowing hair. But like Gabriel, their face was hidden behind a mask.
"Good evening, Edward. You and your party can rest now. Return tomorrow." Even their voice sounded extremely monotone, like the slightest emotion could send the town into ruin.
Elian should have lived here, Lucian thought. It might have done him more good than isolation.
Lucian and his companions explored the medium-sized town. There were dozens of shops and restaurants, but they all sold clothes and food that looked remarkably similar.
He looked at several homes with hedges that were trimmed to the same height and tried not to shudder. It was like a perfectly rehearsed tableau. When they entered a restaurant, all of the food was a strange hue of gray.
Even the children cried wordlessly as their parents tried to console them.
