You observe the way her form blurs and shifts without further action. For the moment, your presence remains unknown, and in your lessened state it seems wise to remain that way. Besides which, you have no wish to render Blake vulnerable to retribution, and for now you are unable to shield her from any fallout your actions cause.

In the future, you are likely to have more opportunities to study this phenomenon. Your curiosity can wait, for now.

Meanwhile, Salem has rallied herself as her eyes trail across Blake's false hand. "Ah... your hand. Veve mentioned your control of shadows, but..."

Peering down at the dark shape herself, Blake flexes her dark fingers experimentally. "It wasn't a use I intended to put my magic to... but it's proven surprisingly versatile so far."

"So far? Is it a new development?" At Blake's nod, Salem seems thoughtful. "...I see. I've heard much about the viciousness of the beasts, but I rarely see such injuries. Usually, those who are injured by them do not return."

"It wasn't a beast that did this." Blake's answer is cold, and slips out before she can contain it. When Salem's eyes flick back to her face, wide and shocked, Blake winces. "I... well. Perhaps he was, in the end." With a heavy sigh, your Arbiter shakes her head. "I apologize. I... it's still a recent pain, but I shouldn't have snapped."

Salem nods in acceptance. "It was my fault as well. I shouldn't have pried, it's just... magic fascinates me. I often find myself here, reading old records and theories. Your magic is unlike anything within my knowledge, and I would enjoy discussing it with you... But, I understand that is asking a great deal."

Blake studiously refuses to allow her eyes to flick towards where the Frozen Flame rests hidden beneath her dress. "I... I'll consider it. They aren't only my secrets to discuss."

Salem's eyes flash with interest, but she simply nods. "I understand, Blake of Obsidian. I will leave you to your own devices now." With a small, polite curtsy, Salem retreats with her candle to a corner of the library, expertly picking out a small number of books along the way.

Blake's eyes return to the book in front of her, but she finds herself increasingly distracted and eventually returns to her room.

As Blake rests, your mind turns over various things. The city of Ciel has turned out relatively interesting; the magic here is rich and powerful, yet fundamentally different from your own. There is much knowledge to be gained here, if you seek it out. Yet... for the moment, you remain unknown and unidentified. If you are too overt in your investigations, your existence will likely be discovered, with unknown ripples through time – will knowledge of you remain until the present? It is impossible to predict. Nor can you predict how the mortals of this time might react to knowledge of you...

You will have to make choices as you take shelter in Ciel. How much knowledge will you seek, and how many risks will you take to grasp it?

A/N: A shorter chapter (with a relatedly faster update speed) since you voted not to interact last turn.

And now we've come to the focus of the arc. Expect the next few turns to involve Ciel and its people in various ways.