The Light at the Bottom of the World by London Shah

Author:London Shah
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Disney Book Group
Published: 2019-10-29T00:00:00+00:00

Jojo is fast asleep. I sit on the sofa yawning, squeezing my eyes shut. When I look up, Ari stands watching me, a hint of concern on his face.

“You’re very tired. Assign me command rights so you can get some sleep,” he says.

Though the words are authoritative, his tone isn’t. There’s a surprisingly gentle edge to it.

I lower my gaze. I am drained, well and truly zonked out. After a fitful night’s sleep that included the dreaded nightmare, I woke up early to get everything done on time for the departure. Today must be the longest day of my life. But let him take over the sub?

His gaze is steady. “You don’t trust me.”

Gramps trusts him with my life. He’s already saved it once, along with Jojo’s. And even though he’s secretive and makes me feel apprehensive, I actually do trust him.

“You need to sleep,” he insists. “You’ve done enough. You can take charge after you’ve rested. If you’re tired, you’ll make mistakes. Let me take care of things for now.”

“Fine . . . but I don’t want us traveling as I sleep.” I look away.

He opens his mouth to speak. I cut him off by summoning the

Navigator. Oscar has changed, now sporting a plum velvet-and-satin dressing gown, with matching slippers.

“Oscar, grant Ari full primary rights, please. And then find us a safe place for the night. We can continue on in the morning.”

If only Ari would be open with me . . . I turn to him. “What did you mean earlier, when you said we were always content with our own lives no matter what was going on with others?”

He inclines his head and lifts his eyes to my face, the bright gaze piercing from beneath thick lashes. A muscle tics along his jaw as he watches me think.

“It’s because of the government,” I say. “Because . . . they don’t protect you. . . .”

He gives a curt nod, his face giving nothing away.

“You said we believe everything we’re told. What did you mean?”

“It’s nothing,” he says quietly, remaining still. “Forget it.”

“Please, if you care at all about my grand—”

“Gideon?” He snorts. “I told you. My father gave me no choice. They’re friends.” He shakes his head, sneering at the idea. I’m more confused than ever, but I need answers, so I don’t react to his words. “After they attacked us, I had to leave immediately,” he adds.

“Because you’d have gone after the beasts who killed Lance?”

His gaze flickers, and he nods.

I shake my head. “Why do you blame everyone when it’s just the gov—”

“Because you stay silent! Your only concern is with yourselves,” he spits, raking his fingers through his hair. He folds his arms and takes a deep breath, as if trying to stay calm.

“Huh? Who? All Londoners? Who stays silent? How do you mean?” I prickle. “We only care about ourselves? It’s you who’s willing to hit out at anyone and everyone you meet!”

I grab the Bliss-Pod, hoping I haven’t made a mistake assigning him primary rights to the sub, and hasten out of the room before he can reply.

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