Debt

"Did you sign a contract with Fumiko?" Zuriel asked me.

I'm a bit surprised that he knows that. "What? How did you—"

"Everybody on the ship was thinking about it."

Ah, right. . . His All-Seeing Eyes.

"Well, yeah," I answer.

"You met her?!" Jiana—her name if I'm right, exclaims.

It's awkward because I don't know why she's awed.

I was about to answer her when Zuriel says, "Get her out of here, Kei. You could be the one who can."

"What do you mean?"

Jiana tries to walk with us but a barrier is stopping her. I can't see anything with my Eyes of Verity. What's happening?

"Hurry!" he insists.

So, I grab her by the arm and pull her close to us. Huh. . . I still can't get her here. I let go of her and I shrug at Zuriel.

"It's not working," I say, panicking a little as the place starts rumbling.

"What's happening outside?" she asks.

"Nothing to worry about," he smiles and whispered to me, "Try. . . anything."