Summary

Chapter 40 continues the next morning as Valentina, Marius, and Luzia board a coach that takes an old hunting ground named Las Mulas. They stop at a lake where Antonio and the others are waiting. After Quiteria introduces herself and invites them all to her salon, a group of soldiers and the current King’s secretary, Mateo Vázquez de Leca, arrive. Vίctor says the king is not coming and tells Luzia to perform just as spectacularly. Santángel talks to Luzia alone and reveals that Vίctor wanted to build a collection of people who could perform miracles like Luzia. He also explains that his freedom would require her to take his place and that Luzia’s healing capabilities would give her immortality. She asks what he would have to give up, as she believes freedom is what he values the most...