Page 41 of Polestar
They floated between two visible coast lines, small ports on either side.
The inky water stretched between the two land masses; the land as streaked with black as the ink burrowed like seeking vines.
Then she understood.
Theywereall connected.
They were all connected by the black, inky magic of this sigil.
“We have to somehow break the sigil.”
But how?
TWELVE
AnagroanedandMagnusinstantly lunged forward to scoop her up from the floor.
She was small and limp in his arms as he strode out of Aksel’s room, seeking any other room where he could lay her on a comfortable surface.
“This way.”Kane led him to a nearby sitting room with plump couches.
He gently laid Ana on one, placing her shoulders on the padded arm, and reached for a cushion to prop behind her.
Her eyes fluttered open, searching the room around her as her body trembled.
“I’m… it’s so… cold.”Her teeth chattered.
“I’ll get some hot tea—get her warmed up,” Kane said, leaving the room.
Magnus pulled Ana forward and slid behind her so that her back was to his chest and wrapped his arms around her, much like he’d done that first night in the hangar.
“Aksel… so many…” she struggled to get the words out.“Connected.Consuming…”
“Just rest right now,” he murmured against the top of her head, relieved to have her back.He bundled her closer, reaching across the back of the couch for a wool throw to tuck around her.
By the time Kane returned bearing a tray with a teapot and mugs, Ana’s trembling had settled into random little shivers.
Kane selected a steaming mug and crouched next to the couch.“Ana.”Her voice was soft, encouraging Ana to look at her.
After a moment, Ana’s head, resting on Magnus’ chest, tilted so she could look at Kane.
“I brought your phone.”
“Turn the recorder on,” Ana murmured as she reached for the hot tea.“Thank you.”
She recited everything she saw and felt in Aksel’s mind.
Kane and Magnus listened, steaming mugs in hand.
Magnus’ heart dropped at her descriptions of Aksel’s isolation and the view she described of all the other icebergs, both with more of his kinsmen and other victims.
She said they were all connected.
Where are they all?
“What does it all mean?”he asked when she finished.
“I’m really not sure, Magnus.But, he emphatically didn’t want me to go to the clan shaman for help.”She sighed.“I’m sorry.I didn’t get anything useful out of all that.”
