The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, #2
The Angel's Game
by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Contents
Act One - City of the Damned — Chapter 21
Overview
In the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, David Martín, weakened by illness, discovers a mysterious multilingual volume titled Lux Aeterna signed “D.M.” that seems to claim him. He navigates the labyrinth as if guided by the book, finds no trace of Isaac, and departs feeling observed, deepening the story’s ominous pull.
Summary
David Martín, disoriented in the labyrinth of the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, sees his reflection with unfamiliar, malicious eyes and feels a wave of nausea from his illness. Bitter laughter steadies him and reminds him of his purpose there.
On the table, David discovers a rough, leather-bound volume without a spine title. Inside, he reads the branded cover and a clearer title page: Lux Aeterna, signed “D. M.” The text alternates among Spanish, German, Latin, French, and Hebrew, structured with numbered verses and underlined incipits, evoking gospels or a catechism.
David considers leaving any book behind, yet realizes the volume clings to him like a parasite. As he wanders the corridors—passing the same LeFanu volume more than once—he senses the book guiding his steps back to the spiral staircase and toward the exit.
In the vault, silence reigns. Expecting Isaac, David calls out but receives no answer, while feeling watched from the shadows. He notices a lamp left by the door, triggers the rails and pulleys, and slips through as the great door opens.
Once outside, the door seals shut behind him with a resonant echo. David departs with Lux Aeterna in his hands, unsettled by the book’s pull and Isaac’s unexplained absence.
Who Appears
- David MartínIll and disoriented writer who discovers Lux Aeterna, feels it guiding him, and leaves the Cemetery alone.
- IsaacKeeper of the Cemetery; expected to be present but is absent, heightening David’s unease.