Page 90 of The Alien in the Archive

“In the course of my research,” I say, choosing my words carefully. “I stumbled on a reference to him in a fragmented text from the Skoll’s early texts on the planet they called Gaia, but it was incomplete. I thought perhaps you might know where I could find more information.”

Davina leans back and hums to herself, brow furrowed. “Thorne Valtheris was a Borean dissenter. A scholar, if I’m not mistaken, though not much is known about him. Most of what we have is speculation, as the Boreans weren’t exactly forthcoming with their records. However…” She taps a finger on her desk, then stands, crossing to one of the shelves behind her. After a moment of searching, she pulls out a thin, unassuming book and places it on the desk between us.

“This is one of the few texts we have on Boreandissenters. It’s more of a summary than a comprehensive account, but it might provide some context. I suggest you start here.”

I glance down at the book, trying to play it cool even though my heart picks up a beat. The title readsVoices of Dissent: Forgotten Rebels of the Borean Empire.

“Thank you,” I say, picking it up and turning it over. “I can’t wait to dive in.”

“Page,” Davina says. “I trust your instincts as a historian. But I also know when someone is holding back. Whatever you’re working on, I hope you understand the risks involved—not just to yourself, but to your career and to this institution.”

I meet her eyes, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I understand, but I promise it’s worth it.”

She studies me for another moment, her expression unreadable. Then, with a small nod, she sits back down in her chair.

“Alright,” she says, “but I want a full report on these mysterious sources of yours in two weeks.”

My eyes widen. “Two weeks?” I murmur. “But there’s…well, a lot of information there?—”

“Then the archivists will need to know about it,” she says. “We’ve already discussed how the material in the Obscuary can be dangerous; I don’t like the idea of you stumbling on something that could put you in harm’s way.”

“I wouldn’t let that happen,” I assure her.

Davina nods again, her gaze softening slightly. “I believe you, but I also know the lure of the unknown. Even the best of us can become consumed by the mysteries we feel we can’t solve. Promise me you’ll come to me if you discover something troubling.”

“I will,” I say, trying to make it sound authentic. “Thank you, Davina.”

Her expression remains unreadable, but she finally dismisses me with a small wave. “I assume you have research to do. And remember, I want that report, Page.”

I stand, clutching the book in my hand. As I step out of her office, I let out a breath.

Two weeks. It’s not enough time.

I havetwo weeksto figure out how to tell the galaxy that the Boreans aren’t actually gone.

And Davina definitely suspects that something’s off.

34

THORNE

The touch of Page’s mind is hesitant as she makes her way to the Obscuary tonight, later than usual. She’s troubled…but I don’t think she wants to troubleme, and she doesn’t seem to understand that this secrecy makes me want to scream.

I can feel her hesitation, the way she’s trying to shield me from something…but the harder she tries to keep me out, the more it gnaws at me.

I’m pacing the length of my alcove when she finally arrives, the bookcase sliding open. Ashlan, curled up on a stack of books, perks up, watching for her.

“Page,” I murmur, just before she appears in the entrance. She steps inside and quickly closes it again, her face drawn, clutching a book against her chest.

I go to her immediately, taking her by the shoulders and searching her eyes for what’s wrong. I brush a strand of hair back from her face, resisting the urge to dive into her thoughts uninvited.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, brushing a strand of hair backfrom her face. “Your thoughts have been racing all day and you wouldn’t let me in?—”

“It’s Davina,” she says, closing her eyes and leaning into my touch. “She’s suspicious, Thorne. I had to tell her something–enough to keep her from digging further.”

“What…?”

She sighs. “I didn’t want to freak you out.”

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