231 The Moon in the Mirror, the Man in the Dream

Maxwell had suddenly appeared in the silver light of the Cave of Sleep beside the sublimation ritual. He glanced at Hermes and asked quietly, "It started, right?"

Hermes nodded. The wings of light on his back floated soundlessly. They illuminated Maxwell’s eyes, making him laugh. "I haven’t seen you like this in a long time, Lord Merlin."

Hermes glanced at him. "Call me Hermes. You all gave me the title Merlin but I’ve never accepted it."

"You’ve lost a bit of your humanity after revealing your true nature. I still like your slovenly style. At least then it feels like we’re the same."

"Don’t come here trying to feel likeness, Maxwell. No one’s the same kind as you," Hermes said disdainfully. "No one."

Maxwell chuckled. "That’s why we’re the same, right?"

"Ha." Hermes chuckled too.