There were many holes in the theory. After lengthy discussion it seemed likely the lake was situated further south. A large water inlet—Murray’s River—was already present in 2021. As water levels rose, it made sense that existing waterways would simply grow larger.

Romy walked over and sat on her bunk, staring at the wall opposite her. The soldier was going to come again tomorrow.

What was she going to do?

A gentle hand brushed back her hair. “What’s up? You’ve been acting weird all night.”

She gazed into Thrym’s blue eyes. Eyes she trusted. And eyes she’d do anything to protect.

If the soldier found out Romy told her knot, he could make good on his threat. She doubted any one of her knot would be able to keep their cool if they knew.

She wasn’t willing to risk their lives.

“Nothing.” She smiled. “Just tired. Nothing a good sleep won’t fix.”

“I grabbed dinner from the Hull on the way. Sure you don’t want to eat?”

She shook her head, dislodging his hand, which was still stroking her hair. “No. I’m not hungry.” The memory of the slimy man still made her insides twist. Food wasn’t an option right now.

“You sure?” Thrym bobbed his head down to catch her eye.

Romy hesitated before tightening her resolve. She flashed him a quick smile, turning away to enter the bathroom. Maybe she shouldn’t judge Elara for escaping here.

Everything was just so out of control. And it was compounded by the fact that she simply didn’t know the rules down here. How could she protect herself against a soldier? Against someone with more power than herself?

. . . What was more powerful than the soldier?

The corners of Romy’s mouth flipped up in a smile.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

It was Phobos’s turn to brave the Hull to get the knot breakfast. But Romy offered to take his place, leaving much earlier than she needed to.

Romy grabbed a bread roll for herself. She’d come back for the others’ food in a few minutes.

She dodged a couple of gawking Earth humans, mumbling rushed apologies as they attempted to engage her in conversation. Even if you were only speaking to one person, fifty others were listening and repeating your every response in whispers, until everyone was discussing what you’d said. It was unnerving.

Chewing on the bread, she made for the exit. But something stopped her in her tracks. The soldier from yesterday, he was in the clearing outside, by the Mandate’s hologram screen. Romy backed away from the exit so he wouldn’t see her.