But no one seemed particularly interested in them. Everyone was murmuring excitedly, admiring each other’s masks and craning their necks to see inside the hotel. The line moved quickly and, soon, they were off the dock and through the Fairmont’s doors.

As soon as Ash stepped inside the hotel, he saw light.

It was real light, like they used to have before the flood. A massive chandelier dangled from the ceiling above him, lit up like Christmas morning, golden light reflected in the crystals that dripped from its brass arms. Sconces lined the walls, and ornate lamps stood beside armchairs and love seats. They didn’t flicker with candlelight. They buzzed with electricity.

Ash wasn’t the only one staring. All around him people had stopped in place, mouths hanging open, eyes wide with wonder. There hadn’t been power in this part of town since 2073. To restore electricity to the old hotel now would have taken a miracle.

Ash was still gaping when a tray of food whizzed past on a silver platter. He blinked, not quite trusting his eyes.

The tray held fruit. Plump, pink strawberries and shiny apples and . . .

“Bananas!” Chandra shrieked. She grabbed a piece of fruit off a passing tray and began peeling, as though she expected to see something else beneath the thick, yellow peel.

Ash stared, his mouth watering. The closest things they had to fruit in New Seattle were the chalky vitamin bars sold in Center-sanctioned outposts. He hadn’t eaten a banana in over two years, but he could still remember the sweet, almost creamy taste.

“Quiet,” Zora said, dropping a hand on Chandra’s arm. “We’re supposed to be keeping a low profile, remember?”

“But, Zora, bananas.” Chandra took an enormous bite, her eyelids drooping in pleasure. “Oh my God . . .”

“Let’s keep moving,” Zora said.

The crowd was slowly making their way toward a wide doorway at the far end of the lobby, their chattering growing louder and more excited. Ash could feel the energy radiating off them as they inched across the room. It sent nerves prickling over his skin.

Something was on the other side of that doorway, and he had a feeling it was a bit bigger than fruit and electricity.

“What do you think is going on up there?” Zora asked.

Ash shook his head. He had no idea.

The lobby opened into a grand ballroom, with high ceilings and cocktail tables scattered about. There were more guests in ball gowns and masks, more waiters carrying silver trays. A full brass band had been set up near the front of the room. Ash caught the glint of light off their instruments from the corner of his eye. He heard a deep voice croon:

“Oh, the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear. And it shows them pearly white . . .”

The hair on the back of his neck went up. He knew that song. It had been one of his father’s favorites. He craned his neck, trying to catch a better glimpse of those instruments.