On the other side of the caldera, Trench is out. I see him as I pass, but I don’t stop. He’s tying up the cavrinskh he’s just killed. He doesn’t need my help, and there are two more labs to check before I can go home.
I’d like to be back before Chrys wakes, even if that’s next to impossible. The first sun has already started to rise.
RISK
Arc left hours ago. I know it before I open my eyes.
Shock’s hope was in vain.
Not even Chrys’ presence is enough to keep him home.
Later today, he’ll talk to the only person he’s told his fears to.
I don’t know which is greater: the fear that the Maker survived, or the fear that telling the rest of us will make us think he’s a fool.
I won’t tell anyone else what I know. Not even Arc. Until I know he doesn’t have anything to worry about, there’s no point.
And Idon’tknow that the Maker is dead. Not with the kind of certainty he needs.
Chrys makes a whimpering sound and snuggles closer to Shock.
The desire to roll over and sandwich her between us is strong.
The need to go check on Arc is stronger.
When I slip from the bed, I motion for Kissu to take my place. He would have done it without the invitation, but I want him to know he’s welcome here.
He’s important. I just don’t know how yet.
I queue up the Zone map while I stoke the fire.
We all have access to the map.
Little pins with our names show up when we’re out in it. Arc, Trench, and Surge are right now.
Red circles bloom around unknown movement—like the one Surge is headed for right now—usually signaling a cavrinskh incursion.
The wreckage has turned Breaker’s sector into a mess of red waves.
We can mark other places, make other changes, and I tap in the code for Arc’s private map.
His route appears in dotted blue.
“No wonder he isn’t back yet.” I don’t think I’ve ever seen him go to every lab in a single night.
Clearing the screen, I move to the kitchen, making breakfast, but only for two.
“That smells good,” Arc says softly from the other side of the counter. I didn’t hear him come back.
“Yes, but it’s not for you. Go to bed.” And because I know he’ll argue with me, I tell him, “If you’re driving her to the city today, you need to sleep. And Shock’s waiting for you to get back so she’s not alone.”
Arc hesitates. “Is he mad?”
“No. He just doesn’t understand.”
Eyes unfocused, he looks a little lost. “Do you?”
“I know you do what you need to. I’m never going to ask you to stop.”
