Page 7

Believing Cora’s assertion fate had won me this trip was difficult to swallow. So was her other idea—that I manifested the result when I entered. That would have involved me believing I’d win, and that was certainly not the case. But whatever it was, even sheer dumb luck, I was grateful, and I wasn’t going to waste a second of this amazing opportunity.

The cushions beneath me were as plush as they looked, and my eyelids drooped as I stared up at the drifting wisps of clouds. The muscles in my back and shoulders relaxed, and I sank deeper into the softness cradling me, feeling like I was floating along with the white puffs above. It had been a long time since I’d gotten some sleep because of that damn nightmare. I’d explore the museum as soon as I caught a quick catnap.

My chest burned as I ran, the scenery jolting with each crunch of snow beneath my boots. Just a little farther—it wouldn’t want to lose its camouflage. The hair on the back of my neck stood on end, rubbing against the thermal material of my shirt. I could feel the creature bearing down on me, closer with each stretch of its long legs.

“Run!” The voice was Austin’s I realized, even as the awareness that I was dreaming seeped into the moment. Still, the monster didn’t stop. I pumped my muscles harder, propelling myself forward as the vision of the resort loomed closer and larger before me.

I was going to make it.

But I didn’t. The weight of the beast knocked me to the ground, more unforgiving than I’d imagined. Heat seared through my parka as its body pinned me there, breath reeking of a fresh kill as it snarled near my ear.

Tears streamed down my face, freezing against my skin, and then I was free. I rolled to see what happened and found Austin wrestling with it. The thing moved too quickly for me to see more than a flash of razor-sharp claws or matted hair. And before I could focus, before I could scream, hot, red blood exploded over my face, blinding me to all except Austin’s arm hanging limply across the snow.

“No!” I woke sitting up, the word still echoing around me. Sweat soaked my T-shirt, and my lungs still burned like I’d really been running.

I glanced around, making sure I was in my room as the panic subsided. Swallowing, I slid my feet onto the floor and pressed my face into my hands.

“Fuck.” It was the same as the other night, but even more detailed. And it felt so real.

As I drew my hands down and away, I glanced around the room again. No Cora. A quick peek at my wristcom told me she’d left a holomessage, so I flicked it on. A tiny version of her filled the space between me and my wrist.

“You needed some sleep, so I decided to go for a swim. Come down and join me if you’re bored.” She blew me a kiss and disappeared back into the thin band.

Right, sleep, the thing I may never do again.

Locating the bathroom and some supplies, I decided a nice hot shower would help wash away some of the residual fear. The walk-in ice cave shower with seven heads certainly was luxurious. The hot spray and vanilla-scented wash relaxed me back into a positive mood. This was what happened when one studied monsters for a living, I reasoned. And the purpose for Austin being in the dream was obviously because I’d just met him. It wasn’t a portent of the future or even a subconscious hint that I liked him. Nope, it wasn’t.

By the time I dried my hair and pulled on my Know what really gets my goat? Chupacabra shirt, I felt like myself again. And that excitement from earlier began to fizz like the foam at the bottom of the waterfall below. But I had more important things to explore than the pool.

I hesitated at the top of the downward tube but decided that at least walking down the ramp six floors would be easier than walking up if it stopped moving and got on. Fortunately though, nothing malfunctioned, and I reached the main level without incident.

Checking my wristcom for directions, I made my way past the myriad of tourist attractions, including a holo adventure featuring polar bears and reindeer. Finally, I reached my destination—the museum I’d been so eager to visit.

The doors slid shut behind me, erasing the noise of the busy resort and allowing me a breath of relief. The smell that always accompanied institutions of learning settled over me, something akin to the musty scent of old-fashioned paper books that spoke of wisdom collected over years. Smiling, I inhaled deeply and glanced around at the various exhibition rooms, each labeled with a neon-blue holosign dripping icicles.

Only a few other people shuffled around, each engrossed in reading the signage or investigating objects. My gaze settled on the room titled, The People of Greenland. The clear glass delineating every other alcove was absent here. Instead, the whole area was hidden behind a tinted version that blacked out any view of the interior. Curious, I strode forward, the sliders opening as I approached.

The full-sized holo of a man and woman flickered along the darkened back wall of the space while sprawled on either side of them were glass cases holding various pieces of history. I was immediately drawn toward the smiling couple at the center, and as if it were mutual, the man turned toward me, eyes crinkling at the corners in welcome.

“That’s my husband.”

The voice to my left made me jump and throw a hand against my chest.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.”

I turned to find the actual version of the other half of the holo couple before me. But in real life, she stood a few inches shorter and was a bit rounder. The lines tattooed on her chin stood out starker as well, drawing my gaze down toward her mouth.

“I hadn’t realized anyone else was here,” I said offering my hand. “I’m Rosi.”

“Nice to meet you, Rosi. I’m Ila.” Her hand was warm and rough in mine as she shook with strength.

I felt my smile broaden, genuinely happy that luck found me again. A one-on-one with a member of the Inuit culture was more than I’d hoped for on day one. “I’m actually a doctoral student. I’m studying First People’s cultures and mythology.”

Ila laughed and released my hand. “Well if you want to see an animal skin kayak, it’s over there by Nanuq.”

“I’m sorry, did you just say there was a polar bear here?” I asked, scanning the room.

This time her laugh was so boisterous, Ila nearly doubled over. “You speak the language a bit, huh? Good for you. No. That’s my husband’s name. Though he looks a little like a polar bear with dark skin. He’s round enough.”