“How is she?” Garret said to Dex.

“Awake,” Dex said. “I do not believe she was badly injured, but she has had a considerable shock.”

“I’m fine,” Soranna said. Her voice was soft and trembling.

“Okay.” Garret clapped his hands. “We’re going on, at least for now. But we’re going to take more precautions. I’ll take the lead, Ellen will bring up the rear, and we’ll stay close. No more ambushes like last time.”

“Wait.” Alice bristled. “Why do you get to make the decision?”

Ellen rolled her eyes. “If you don’t feel up to it, you’re welcome to go home by yourself.” She looked at Isaac. “That goes for you too. Though you’re on your own explaining things to your masters.”

“What about Soranna?” Alice said. “One of us could take her back to the portal—”

“No,” Soranna said, faintly but distinctly. “I will stay with you.”

Garret laughed. “At least she’s showing some spirit.” Alice glared daggers at him, which he ignored. “There’s a bridge two floors up from here that leads closer to the center dome. If Sora can walk, we’ll get started.”

“Soranna,” Soranna muttered, but Garret was already turning away.

Alice and Dex helped Soranna to her feet. The girl was a little wobbly at first, and Alice remained by her side as Garret led the way up the spiral stair around the tower. Isaac followed Ellen, still refusing to meet Alice’s eye.

“You saved me,” Soranna said, after a while. “But why?”

“Why what?”

“Why would you do that? Risk yourself for me? I’m . . .” She gestured down at herself, then shook her head.

“I don’t . . .” Alice didn’t know what to say. What does she mean, why? When someone was in trouble, you helped them, if you possibly could. “I couldn’t have just let you fall.”

“You could have.”

Alice shrugged uncomfortably. “I’m sure you would do the same for me.”

“No,” Soranna said. “I wouldn’t.”

She walked ahead, leaving Alice staring after her.

Chapter Ten: The Coils of the Labyrinth

CHAPTER TEN

THE COILS OF THE LABYRINTH

“SISTER ALICE! BEHIND you!”

A long, mottled green-and-purple tentacle with razor-edged suction cups slid up over the side over the bridge. It waved back and forth for a moment, as though tasting the air, then snaked in her direction.