“You’re such an optimist.”
“Just trying to keep you grounded.”
I look up at Soliton again, a dark thought forming in my mind. While the ship showed no signs of activity, obviously it won’t wait here forever. Unless it’s changed its usual pattern, eventually it will return to its yearly cycle, gathering fresh sacrifices from around the Central Sea. If Marvel is right, and it won’t return for twenty years afterward, then that would be the end of any chance of getting back to Rachtown before Chung Wu’s deadline. If the ship leaves and I’m not on it, my sister will be kidn*pped and sold to a brothel, or worse. I imagine her wide, innocent eyes as Wu’s thugs break down her door—
No. The thought makes my heart beat louder, echoing in my ears. I won’t let it happen.
Something moves, up on the
