Act Two - Lux Aeterna — Chapter 1

Newly invigorated and wealthy, David deposits one hundred thousand francs and then checks the news. He discovers a brief item: a midnight fire at Barrido & Escobillas on Plaza dels Àngels has killed José Barrido and left José Luis López Escobillas and employee Ramón Guzmán in critical condition. Suspicions include chemicals or a man seen leaving before the blaze.

David rushes to the ruins, finding smoke, salvaged debris, and scorched copies of City of the Damned. In Barrido’s wrecked office, he speaks with Herminia Duaso, who says she was sent home before midnight because the publishers were awaiting a foreign visitor with a proposal. Grief-stricken and wary, Herminia accuses David of benefiting from the tragedy and orders him away.

Outside, Inspector Víctor Grandes, with Officers Marcos and Castelo, escorts David to a café and questions him. David claims he spent the night with publisher Andreas Corelli and stayed due to recent illness. Grandes presses on David’s exclusive contract, noting that if Escobillas dies the firm dissolves and David is free to accept Corelli’s offer—creating a clear motive.

Grandes then cites a recent confrontation at 30 Flassaders in which David told the publishers, “In a week you and that idiot partner of yours will be dead.” David admits saying it in anger and denies intent. He leaves feeling exposed and guilty, aware that the fire both liberates and implicates him.