The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, #2
The Angel's Game
by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Contents
Act Two - Lux Aeterna — Chapter 25
Overview
David, shaken by a distant encounter with Cristina at Villa Helius, retreats home to find a summons from Corelli for a dawn meeting at Pueblo Nuevo Cemetery. Isabella nurses him, recounts her success at Sempere’s, and urges him to escape. Their exchange exposes David’s fears and Isabella’s steadfast loyalty.
Summary
After leaving Casa Marlasca, David wanders to Pedralbes and, drawn by shafts of light, approaches Villa Helius. He spots Cristina in an upstairs window; they lock eyes. Overwhelmed, David turns away, unable to confront her or his feelings, and leaves trembling.
Returning home chilled, David finds an envelope sealed with wax: a summons from Andreas Corelli to meet at Pueblo Nuevo Cemetery at seven the next morning. Inside, Isabella greets him, notices his state, and guides him to rest, insisting he take broth despite his resistance.
As David recovers, Isabella recounts her first successful day at Sempere & Sons, boasting of sales and teasing that Sempere’s son couldn’t stop staring at her. Their camaraderie eases David’s tension until Isabella cautiously asks about Cristina and whether David loves her. David deflects, claiming he doesn’t know how to love.
Noticing Corelli’s letter, Isabella urges David to leave Barcelona immediately to escape the looming threat; David refuses, jokingly pledging to accompany her anywhere, which offends her. He apologizes, and they agree to postpone reviewing her writing until tomorrow.
As David withdraws to his room, Isabella insists through the door that it isn’t true he cannot love. David curls up on his bed, holding his turmoil, caught between Cristina’s apparition, Corelli’s demand, and Isabella’s faith in him.
Who Appears
- David MartínProtagonist; haunted by seeing Cristina at Villa Helius, receives Corelli’s cemetery summons, and wrestles with fear and tenderness toward Isabella.
- IsabellaAssistant and confidante; cares for David, reports success at Sempere’s, urges him to flee, and asserts he is capable of love.
- CristinaSeen at Villa Helius window; her silent gaze unsettles David and rekindles conflicted feelings.
- Andreas CorelliElusive patron; summons David to a dawn meeting at Pueblo Nuevo Cemetery.
- Sempere’s sonBookshop heir; silently watches Isabella at work, highlighting her effect and new role.