Gates of Thread and Stone

But I understood why people would want to believe in those sorts of things—they made the world feel less lonely. And you never knew what a person could do fueled by hope.

Was I seriously ogling his wrist?

I drew in lungfuls of air, relishing the scent. The decay lingered here as well, but not like in the city. This kind of decay promised new life.

Yeah, but I’ve seen what you can do. Nothing is impossible after that.

You’re not dead,” I whispered, focusing on that truth. I pressed against him. “I’m not dead.” “Stay that way.” He swept his thumb along my knuckles. “You got it.

My nails clawed against the smooth tiles as I pushed up onto my hands and knees. I rose unsteadily to my feet. Speed is my ally. Breathe. In and out. Focus. Time is my power.

You’re not coming with me.” “Looks like I am,” he said with a nod at his bag. “No,” I said, louder. “This doesn’t have anything to do with you.” “I saw what you did in there. When you were fighting, you . . . ” He stopped. I rubbed my palm against my stomach, but it didn’t help ease the churning. I didn’t know how to deal with this. I wasn’t going to offer an explanation until he asked, but I hoped he wouldn’t ask because I didn’t know how to explain. “I’m not walking away from this. Whether you like it or not, I’m involved now.” Then he glanced up at me, gaze steady. “And I’m your friend. I can’t let you do this alone.

A shoulder smacked mine on the sidewalk. I didn’t bother checking my pockets. They were already empty. But sometimes I left little notes in them I thought might amuse a pickpocket: “Try me again tomorrow. I forgot my diamonds at home” or “Might have better luck with that guy,” alongside a scribbled arrow.

Reev stood near the entrance in his usual spot, arms crossed and doing his best “Don’t mess with me” impression.

I wanted to know what he was thinking, but I didn’t want to ask.

The only people who knew how to navigate the Labyrinth were the residents, and we liked to keep our secrets.

We’d done it. We were fugitives

I licked my dry lips, my bravado ebbing. They didn’t look as if they were determining how best to eat me. If anything, they looked wary, but what did I know about reptiles?

If emptiness had a voice, this was it.

Shouldn’t being Infinite mean having infinite knowledge?” I muttered. “Eternity would be quite dull if that was true.

I kept expecting an ambush. I was glad it hadn’t happened yet, but this strange welcome worried me.

What are you?” I asked. “The hunger that cramps your stomach. The decay that shrivels your crops.” He dragged his fingers along the wall. It blistered and rotted beneath his touch. “The shadows that carve into your cheeks.” He folded his elegant, slender hands at his waist. His golden- brown eyes were soft and warm and terrifying. “I have been known as Famine. But call me Irra.

It’s only two more weeks. And we have the time. Whatever Ninu decides to do with your brother, any alterations with permanent damage would require months to complete. “Permanent damage,” I echoed. “You keep focusing on the wrong details,” Irra said.

I kept one eye on Avan and the other on my tray. The bread roll actually steamed— it was fresh. The beans were covered in a brown sauce that didn’t look like mud. I’d never seen carrots that were so orange, and the corn glistened with what could have been real butter. I had tried butter once when a friend brought it to school, but it had been rancid.

Thanks,” I said, “for your protection. And for making the Void feel . . . not so lonely.

Maybe insanity was the price of eternity. Nature’s way of keeping balance,

couldn’t think about it now. There would be time later for breaking down. If I survived this.

had to get Reev out of here, back to what was real, even if that reality wasn’t as bright and happy as this one.

I had read the rules. Just not all of them.

DEATH LIVED IN a glass tower at the center of the White Court.

The position made his bicep bulge.

alone, he could do whatever the drek he wanted.