Inside Out
Contents ( 29)
Praise for the novels of New York Times bestselling author
MARIA V. SNYDER
“Inside Out surprised and touched me on so many levels—it’s a wonderful, thoughtful book full of vivid characters and a place—Inside—that is by turns alien and heartbreakingly familiar.”
—Rachel Caine, New York Times bestselling author
“This is a book you’ll stay up late to finish.”
—Book Sense on Poison Study, October 2006 pick
“The rare sequel to live up to the promise of its predecessor, Magic Study is a wonderful combination of romance and fantasy.”
—Audible.com, Editor’s Pick: Best of 2006 for Romance
“Fans of high-spirited adventure, intrigue and romance will celebrate…. Snyder delivers another excellent adventure.”
—Publishers Weekly on Fire Study
“The second book in Snyder’s Glass series is a delight.”
—RT Book Reviews on Sea Glass
“With new magic and new people introduced in Storm Glass, Ms. Snyder has a fertile new landscape to mine for us. I cannot wait.”
—Fallen Angel Reviews, recommended read
Also by New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder
Study series
POISON STUDY
MAGIC STUDY
FIRE STUDY
Glass series
STORM GLASS
SEA GLASS
Look for Maria V. Snyder’s next Glass novel
SPY GLASS
available
SEPTEMBER 2010
MARIA V. SNYDER
INSIDE OUT
To my niece, Amy Snyder, for your willingness to read my first manuscript. Your enthusiasm for my stories sparked the idea that I could write for a younger generation.
In loving memory of my grandmother, Mary Salvatori, and my best friend Hazel.
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Acknowledgments
1
A VIBRATION RIPPLED THROUGH MY BODY. I AWOKE in semi-darkness, unsure of my location. Reaching out with my hands, I felt smooth sides arching up and in. My fingers touched overhead. Pipe.
A distant roar caused unease, but with sleep fogging my mind, I couldn’t quite grasp its significance. The pipe’s vibrations increased as the thunder grew louder. Water. Coming toward me. Fast.
I scrambled in the narrow space. My bare feet slipped on the sleek surface of the pipe as I advanced toward a faint square of bluelight emanating from the open hatch. It seemed an impossible distance to reach.
Cogon’s voice in full lecture mode echoed in my mind as the water rushed closer. “Someday, Trella. You’ll screw up and there will be bits of you raining out of the showers.”
I reached the hatch and dove headfirst through the opening, convinced the water rushed at my heels. Landing on the hard floor, I shot to my feet and slammed the door shut. When I finished sealing the hatch, the whole pipe shuddered, then the vibrations calmed as the water returned to its normal flow. The metal cooled under my fingers, and I leaned my sweaty forehead against it, catching my breath.