I kick to the surface, exploding up, and immediately start swimming for the far shore. The distance is greater than I anticipated, and I’m already so tired. I haven’t slept since the night before, and I’m running on nothing but adrenaline and a misguided sense of hope that I will somehow escape Rion one more time.

I look back to see the guards standing on the edge of the far bank. Will they jump in to swim after me? They’re conferring with one another, and when I look back, I see that one of them has taken off running in the direction we just came. I have until that guard reaches the Crystal Palace before my presence is revealed.

The other guard is currently tugging off his boots and dropping his weapons. Clearly, he plans to come after me, but at least he must leave his essentials behind. I continue swimming, kicking like my life depends on it. I was always a decent swimmer as a child, and that long-buried muscle memory takes over.

Thankfully, the guard struggles as he slaps the water, his stroke gangly and inefficient. Finally, I catch a break.

I reach the far shore and scramble out of the river. I’d love to lie down and sleep for a hundred years, but I continue running as the beach gives way to the forest, turning south towards Aphelion and my brother and sister.

But first, I must get this stupid ark to Zerra and get Nadir back.

I stumble into the shelter of the trees and cling to a trunk for support.

The guard chasing me reaches the far shore, but I’ve gained a bit of a lead. Pushing off the tree, I disappear into the forest’s cool canopy.

Instead of sand, my feet catch on rocks and stones, and I wince as they stab my soles. As I plunge deeper into the trees, the sound of rushing water draws me towards a stream. I weep in relief as I drop to my knees in the mud and scoop up handfuls of water. It tastes so sweet and cool and reminds me of that morning I woke up in Aphelion when Mags handed me the first glass of clean water I’d enjoyed in years.

It soothes my parched throat, and I dump more on my head, cleaning off the salt and blood crusting my hair and skin. I remember Tristan once telling me it’s difficult to pick up anyone’s scent in the water, so I splash along the edge, making my way downstream.