Burn Bright

Outside, different noises filled the damp air; not the normal night owl sounds Retra heard in Grave. These were more guttural, deeper.

The climb to the platform seemed endless, the stairs stretching further and further before them. She grasped the handrail with both hands, using the solidity of the iron to guide her.

‘How do you feel now?’ Suki asked when they reached the top. She held Retra’s arm firmly, keeping her away from the edge.

‘Dizzy.’

‘You’re s’posed to have the pod in pieces over a week – or at least a few days.’

‘How do you know that?’

‘Modai told me. Besides, it’s common sense. Just like taking our rock algae medicines at home. They mess with your head. Too much and you’ll eat rat gizzards thinking it’s sweet goo-berry pie.’

Retra stared over at the dark edge of the platform. It beckoned to her but this time she resisted. ‘I think I’ll sit down.’ She tottered to a bench seat, welcoming the hard wood underneath her. ‘I feel strange still. Not myself.’

‘Well, while you are someone else,’ said Suki, dancing a few steps along the platform, ‘let’s party.’