A nonexistent Paris. An apocalyptic wasteland in its stead, perhaps--or worse still, a Paris that never existed. The latter is even worse. An apocalypse was at least a sign of former life.

At the description of Bahorel's law office, Jehan shudders, and nods gravely. "Naturally. And a far darker Paris would be one in which you never appeared to consign that office to the flames."