There it was again. The implication that the Oran she’d come to know was not the one he’d been in the Bullet fleet. In spite of knowing that this was Lir’s precise intention, the words lodged a firm spear of doubt in her mind: What had Oran done?

“Didn’t manage to reclaim your ship, though. I promise you we’ve put her in good hands. She is a treasure we will guard well.”

Another long exhale. “Caledonia. I know you will come for me again, but I must admit, I don’t know how. Whatever it is, I know it will be magnificent. And it will change us both. The world, even. You and your surprising capacity for endurance.”

His voice was aggressively casual, as though they were in the same room and his eyes rested on hers. He was so sure she was listening to every word. And it was true. Of all the moments he might have chosen to speak to her, he picked the time she was alone in this cabin. But she didn’t have to give that to him. She could walk away and leave his voice to the night. “Just like your brother.”

The receiver was suddenly in her hand, her mouth so close to the speaker. She pressed the button and spoke: “What have you done with Donnally?”

The pause that followed was so self-satisfied, Caledonia felt her gorge rise in her throat. He’d baited her and he’d won.

“Caledonia,” he nearly crooned. “I knew you could hear me.”

Biting down on her anger, she drew a deep breath and repeated herself. “Lir, what have you done with Donnally?”

“Come to me and I will show you.”

Caledonia opened her hand, letting the receiver rest in the center of her palm. It quaked back and forth, responding to the tiny, agitated movements in her muscles. She raised her eyes to the plane of the ocean and was almost surprised to see it was still there. As Lir spoke, her world had narrowed more and more until the only thing in focus was that receiver and the sound of his voice.

She drew a deep breath, casting her mind out over the black chop, letting her world expand once more. This was yet another ploy. A trick to convince her to make a poor choice at her weakest moment. It wasn’t possible that he knew the full extent of their situation, but he must have a sense of it. Why else would he call to her now?

She brought the receiver to her mouth and pressed the button on its side. “You won’t draw me out so easily.”

“Ah, Caledonia.” He sighed his way through her name. “I would be disappointed if that were the case.”