Helene has a vision of Eric that is deeply tinctured with red. (In fact, Eric is red-headed. His louring brows are red. He is hirsute and his body cascades red hair. Red hair escapes from his ears and nostrils like tendrils of fire.) Eric is the figure at the center of the labyrinth of Nordquist House. Is he a devouring Minotaur that will consume her body or is he the living fire that will breathe new life into them all?

Look at me, Helene. I am your soul's mirror, your dream of Eric the red, hair streaming from his body like tentacles of fire. Helene. Helene. Listen. Is he Music or Minotaur? Are you Muse or meat?