Page 19 of The Space Between Stars

“I thought I might stay longer. I’ve noticed you have some dusting which needs to be done, and thought maybe…” She sounded like an imbecile.

But the creases around Pinto’s eyes deepened, and his smile shone brighter than the white beard around it. “I would be delighted.”

SIX

CALVEROUS

Year: 733 Post Cataclysm: Fifteen Years Previously

Location: Kaidech

Dowagian students began their days at dawn.

The first straws of light pierced the gap between the curtains in their one-roomed home as Calver tied on canvas shoes with peeling rubber soles. Just as he set a hand on the door handle, his mother murmured from behind him, her tone as inauspicious as thunder at sea.

“I need you to watch Arleena today.”

Calver paused. “You m-m-mean when I get b-b-b-back?”

“No.” Her voice was sluggish with sleep. “Sooner. I’m leaving after she’s had breakfast.”

Calver’s muscles tightened. He turned to look at Arleena, still snoring softly in the bundle of blankets he’d abandoned minutes before. Women—and girls for that matter—weren’t allowed in the studio. “I have d-dowagian.”

“And you can still go. Calisto will allow it. We’ve spoken on it already.”

She’d already spoken to Calisto? “Where are you g-going?”

“To meet with a friend.”

“W-w-why can’t—”

“I thought you loved to take Arleena?”

Calver did love taking Arleena out of the house with him. That wasn’t why he was asking.

“Why can’t she go with you?” He didn’t even stutter. There were no secrets between blood. That was her rule. He wouldn’t let her lie again.

His mother sat like a specter in the stifling gloom, face masked by darkness. “It’s not a good place for her.”

“Then it’s n-n-not a good p–p”—Calver screwed his eyes shut and forced out the word—“place for you.”

His mother sniffed. “Calver, drop this now. I need your help.”

He wouldn’t drop it, but he did cross the room and drop to his knees beside her. She looked away. She’d been drifting. He couldn’t help but wonder if she’d disappear like his father, given the chance.

“T-t-take me with you. I will keep you safe. I c-can, you know?”

“Sweet boy, this is something you cannot help me with.”

“You are coming back?” It erupted from his throat with unexpected anger.

She paused, lips parted, until understanding crashed across her features like a wave. “Oh. Calverous.” Her arms cocooned him. He sat stiffly, unwilling to return the embrace. “I’ll be back tonight. Before highmoon. I swear it.”

Calver pulled away. “F-f-f-fine.”

“You’re leaving?” Arleena stirred from the blankets.

“You’re going with Calver today, love.”