Page 38 of Between Earth and Eternity
He cocks an eyebrow.
“Like you said, it’s been awhirlwind. I’m just tired, that’s all.” My voice is steady and slow. I place my hands behind my back, my fingers fidgeting nervously. Dark hazel irises stare into my golden ones, his gaze darting from my hat to my eyes. I’ve never been so aware of my face, how hard I breathe in and out mynose, what I do with my mouth. I do my best to stay firm and emotionless. And for a millisecond, I swear he almost smiles.
“Are you sure there isn’t anything else, Miss Andrews?” he asks, and he takes another step toward me. I swear everyone in the room collectively inhales in anticipation.
“I think you made it perfectly clear what is expected of all of us,” I start, stilling myself with a deep breath. “So, like every other winner, I will just remain grateful to be here.”
His eyes narrow on me for a moment, like he can see the lies and truths all blended into one.
Am I grateful to be off a dying planet? Yes.
Am I glad to be in this situation? No.
“Good . . .” he finally says, dragging out the word. “If there isn’t anything else, Runa will show you to your cabins.” He shoots me a blatant glare before turning to exit the room. I try to keep my expression submissive, but his hazel stare causes me to narrow my gaze back.
He quickly looks away as his steward falls in behind, but not before the man gives me a look somewhere between impressed andthat was foolish. He has a gentleness to him that is such a stark contrast to his employer.
I keep my head down as we’re escorted back to the tube. Payson opens his mouth to say something, but then closes it, giving me a worried expression.
“What was that?” Ori asks as the car starts moving.
“Me being an idiot. You’ll get used to it,” I say.
“Holy shit! That was wild!” Laz practically yells, causing me to grimace. “Sorry,” he whispers, gazing around. “It’s just that was the most exciting thing that’s happened all day.”
“We were launched into outer space and are now aboard a multitrillion-dollar spaceship, and that was the most exciting thing that’s happened today?” Payson asks, and I can’t help but laugh.
It must be contagious because soon all four of us are laughing. It’s much needed to break the tension, and I can finally breathe normally again.
Our rooms appear to be near the stern of the ship because the tube takes a few more minutes than our first time aboard.
Runa brings us to another hallway, but unlike the rooms on Base X, the space between each room is much wider. “Please take note of the ring number and hallway we are on: 10-B. Ten indicating Ring Ten and the ring level B. Now, like before, please step forward for your room assignment. Your prints are already programmed into your cabins, so you should have no trouble.”
I hope Ori’s and my rooms aren’t so far apart again, but being next to Payson wouldn’t be unwelcome either.
“Romy, your room is near mine, but you will also have a personal steward to assist you with any needs and escort you for the duration of the trip,” Runa says. “Also, Orianna and Skyler, you two are in a shared suite.”
My heart jumps with the thrill, and Ori grabs my arm, excited. Even better than being next to one another. A couple of days ago, I probably would have preferred to be alone, but after quarantine and knowing the status of my own mental health, it will be good for me. It couldn’t be more perfect that Ori and I are practically roommates.
“We didn’t think you two would mind, since you seemed to become close rather quickly.”
My joy is replaced by dread in an instant. That means—
“The plus side is that your cabin is a first-class suite, so you should have plenty of personal space.”
Ori actually squeals with delight. While the news is the best thing that’s happened today, there is a shocking revelation: we are being watched more closely than I realized. And now, after that stare down withtheVallen Mannox, I may have drawn an even bigger target on my back.
I told you this would happen. El,I think.
A few hours in, and I might have already dug myself a grave.
“I’m a long way from the land that I left
I’ve been running through life
And cruising toward death”
“Way Out There,” Lord Horon
