Page 84 of Carousel

“Track marks?”

“Were you sick, as a child? Like me? And you needed injections?”

I hear Drake’s voice. Be cautious. Of things you think you know.

“I don’t remember. It’s possible, I suppose.”

“I’ve never met anyone else with them.” She grins broadly. “I don’t feel like such a freak now.”

She pulls away. Goes back to how she was lying before.

And I can’t be near her right now.

If I was sick, and was receiving regular injections, why wouldn’t I remember it?

The Queen has a unique talent.

Leaving Riss behind, I swim a slow lap.

But as I come back around, I see Cosmer meandering between the baths, towards us.

I’m somehow aware of every step he takes. Their length. How long they take to clear.

It sounds crazy, and I know it.

I tear my gaze from him. Keep swimming.

He must have reached us. I hear Riss ask, “What did you need to do up there?”

“Think,” he replies.

I stop swimming and risk a glance at him – and see he’s unbuttoning his shirt.

Great.

He’s planning on getting in.

Riss leans over the tub. “How was your day, anyway?”

“Outstanding. Drake corrects me at every opportunity. I’m learning so much.”

She snorts. “I hope you kept your temper.”

He feigns shock. “Me? Always.”

“See, Ara and I spent our day doing actually useful things for Hevalla. And for Integration. Right, Ara?”

We failed, yet again, to crack her code from Mother, and she beat me up on the mat. I wouldn’t call that useful as such...

But I stay quiet.

Cosmer’s gaze suddenly shoots to me.

It’s as if I’ve only just remembered how naked I am. My face burns hotter than the water, and I sink lower, swooping my arms slightly to get more bubbles to surround me.

He opens his mouth, then shuts it. I actually think he might be blushing. I wish I could send a message into his mind.

Riss thinks you like me.