Waverly watched her, pretending sleep. Amanda moved quietly, arranging the clothes so that they hung straight on the hanger, smoothing the kerchief between her hands with loving care. She was trying not to wake the girl, but Waverly had been awake for hours, thinking of the thrumming sound she’d heard, trying to figure out how she could get away to search for it. The guards, she knew, were stationed outside Amanda and Josiah’s quarters round the clock. Their presence didn’t seem to trouble Amanda, which was another reason Waverly didn’t entirely trust her. Amanda turned and saw Waverly looking at her. “You’re awake!” Waverly rubbed her eyes. “I’m not that great a sleeper.” “Then you didn’t see we’re out of the nebula,” Amanda said gleefully. Waverly turned to her porthole and saw black sky and stars. She was stunned by the realization that now the Empyrean might be able to find her and the girls, if only they could find a way off this ship! “Dear, if you’re up for it, you’re welcome to come to services with us.
