Page 11

I tried, yet again, to remember what was beyond them — what took up so much of my life on the damn ship and left so many prisoners unaccounted for.

But just like every other time, I came up blank.

A woman laughed softly a few cells down and a man chuckled in response, voice warm.

I rested my cheek against the bars of my cell door and let my eyes drift shut, the friendly chatter soothing my fraying mind as I let my thoughts wander back to the dream … and Jaiel.

The way his arms had felt wrapped around me — strong and safe — the way his lips had quirked at the corners as he joked about returning to his rooms.

Would I ever see the real him again?

"Is everyone here?" Mrs. Harlsted's strong voice broke through my daydream. Opening my eyes, I sat up taller, pushing away the thoughts of Jaiel and the ballroom.

Voices echoed down the block as everyone checked in, and I smiled softly as Mrs. Harlsted made a joke to her husband. Someone down the block started complainingabout their role in the escape and another voice answered back.

I had to hold back a yawn as I reached for my cold bowl of porridge and shoveled it in my mouth. The slimy texture had made me gag the first few weeks, but I barely noticed it anymore.

I needed the energy too much to care.

I'd always been exhausted after a day with a "volunteer" — but it had gotten worse lately.

Whatever they were using me for was weakening me … and it was only a matter of time until I had nothing left.

The Harlsteds needed to get away first, though.

If they could get the last of the coal powder, they could finally escape.

And I'd be —

The memory of that couple from earlier flooded my mind, their sobs as they said goodbye for the last time — a heart-wrenching reminder of what our goal was.

That can't happen to the Harlsteds.

"You lot, keep your mouths shut!" Mrs. Harlsted hissed. "Has anyone heard from or seen Kaiya?"

Oh damn, I must have missed her calling my name.

"Here!" My voice was raspy and barely audible, but the people nearest me let out displeased grunts.

"Excellent," said Mrs. Harlsted. "That's everyone."

"Not everyone," Darlene, one of the meaner prisoners, muttered to my left. "Thanks toher."

"Stop that!" Mrs. Harlsted snapped. "Leave Kaiya be. She's a prisoner like the rest of us. You'd best set asideany differences now before it threatens the plan. Do you understand, Darlene?"

"Yeah, yeah," the woman muttered.

I dropped my head and picked up a piece of straw, running the stiff frond through my fingers.

I wasn't going with them, but the Harlsteds didn't need to know that.

I'd considered it many, many times. But while Frexin was ignoring me for the moment, I knew she'd hunt and hurt those I loved if I ran.

"Now," Mr. Harlsted sighed, voice firm but tired. "Let's focus on the positive. After weeks of hard work from everyone, we finally have the last of the materials we need. If everyone stays strong and focused, we'll be ready the next time we make port. Any questions?"

People let out excited murmurs, a few asking questions, Mr. Harlsted answered them easily.

"Okay then," he said, once the furor died down a bit. "Does anyone have anything else to report?"