39. Turning Tides

The Wraith floated silently in the Drift, its engines cooled for the first time in days. In the cockpit, Elara stared at the console, lost in thought. The stars stretched out before her, distant and uncaring. The message, the one with her voice warning about Valen replayed endlessly in her mind.

Damien entered quietly. "Can't sleep either?"

She shook her head. "I keep thinking about that message. How could it have my voice?"

Damien leaned against the frame. "You think it's fake?"

"Maybe. Or maybe there are parts of me—old versions—still out there. Copies. Clones. I don't know anymore."

He crossed the room and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Whatever's out there, we deal with it together. You're not alone."

She nodded, but her heart was far from calm.