With a last glance at the portal-book, Alice let the connection slip away. Between blinks, the bridge outside melted into a view of another tower, and Torment’s mocking chuckle whispered through the fabric.

Just wait, Alice thought, trying to banish her doubts. I’m coming to see you. We’re all coming to see you.

Chapter Nineteen: A Welcome Respite

CHAPTER NINETEEN

A WELCOME RESPITE

“SORANNA,” ALICE SAID. “You told Dex you could do something for her leg?”

Soranna nodded, then looked away shyly. “For everyone. I think we could use a rest.”

“I’m not sure we can afford to take the time,” Isaac said.

“It won’t be a problem.”

Soranna wormed one hand under her collar and produced something tiny from a hidden pocket. It gleamed ruby red in the torchlight, and Alice came over to look closer. The little object was a strawberry wrought in crystal and gemstones, no larger than the nail of her pinky.

“My master gave me this years ago. He said I was never to use it unless . . .” Soranna stopped, and shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. We need it now.”

Soranna placed the little berry carefully on the ground. Then, in one quick movement, she raised her foot and stomped down on it as hard as she could. The tiny thing broke with a crunch of glass, and a wisp of white smoke rose from beneath the sole of Soranna’s shoe. It coalesced, gradually, into a milky-white sphere hovering at about head height. It looked no more substantial than mist.

All four of them waited in silence. After a second or two, a voice, as quiet as the sigh of a breeze, said, “Yes?”

“I call on you in the name of the Seventy-third Eddicant,” Soranna said. It sounded like something she’d memorized. “The debt lingers still. We demand succor.”

There was another pause before the voice replied. “I am old and tired, and this was a foolish bargain. Your Eddicant tricked us. No human should live so long.”

Soranna’s expression wavered for a moment, but she set her jaw and said, “I demand succor. It is my right.”

“Oh, very well.” The misty sphere began to grow, until it formed the outline of a doorway, hanging in midair. Only darkness was visible on the other side, as though it were covered by a black velvet curtain. “As we promised, so many centuries ago, so we pay the debt still. You may sojourn in our realm.”

Soranna blew out a breath, making the misty shape waver and swirl. She turned back to Alice. “I wasn’t sure that was going to work.”

“Not that I’m unimpressed,” Isaac said, “but how exactly does this help us?”

“Come inside.” Soranna held her hands in front of her, as though parting a curtain, and stepped through the door. She did not emerge from the other side.