Thomas crumpled on to his side. “How—?”

“You were the partner of Albert Mundi, philosopher and alchemist. You were also his murderer. I know because I gave him the Philosopher’s Stone in exchange for his potion’s formula. Both combined hold the secret of immortality. Ten seconds, Sir Thomas Legend.”

Thomas coughed up blood. “I just… wanted… to live… forever…”

The owliksir snorted. “I never once lost track of you or the Stone. I’ve heard stories about you for twenty years and knew your jealousy would find me. Three Seconds.”

Thomas stiffened. The last thing he’d hear made him smile.

“I never forget a story.”