Then he lost his grip on her and she was immediately swallowed up by the warm, glistening bodies that pressed in all around. Another reveller caught hold of her outstretched hand, pulling her close to him as they moved together, his eyes shining as his hips moved against her. For the first time in what felt like a very, very long time, she felt a flush of desire, for the warmth of another body pressed tightly against her own.

But then she remembered why they had come here.

She flashed her newfound dancing partner a regretful smile, then pushed her way through the crowd until she found Bash again, drawing him out of the crush of bodies into a less crowded sidestreet.

What do I keep telling you? said Bash, panting from his exertions. You need to loosen up, Dakota. Cut yourself some slack.

Were here for a reason, she said firmly. Remember?

He cast a rueful glance towards the carnival throng. Thousands of lanterns had just been released, drifting up towards the mouth of the chasm on rising currents of warm air.

I remember, he replied. I just hoped I might be able to change your mind about your . . . plans.

She sighed. We already talked about that.

I know, but . . . He looked as if he was about to continue, but instead let out a dramatic sigh. He made a slicing gesture with the side of his hand which suggested lead on. They made their way down a street that was both empty and dark.

Amuza Urbo was a purposely low-tech settlement, one of dozens scattered all across Jar that deliberately made do without data-nets. Jar itself was a world that people came to because they were running away from something, or because they wanted to reinvent themselves, or often both the same purpose Kjregrnnested had once fulfilled for Dakota when she had first become Megan Jacinth. And reinvention was something she had gained some expertise in.

She had hoped that by pretending she was someone else by taking on the name of a dead girl she could escape her past self. But now she understood more than ever that she was, and always had been, Dakota Merrick.

They came eventually to an apartment building that looked as if it had half melted. Its walls sagged artfully, the corners twisting where they met the ground.

And were sure this is the right address? asked Dakota.

As sure as I can be, Bash murmured, as he came up beside her. Thats assuming the private detective I paid to locate Stiles knew what he was doing.

She gave him a weary shrug. Only one way to find out.