Alex returned to Proxima after telling Luna where he was going.
She had wanted Mingyue to sit beside them before anyone left again. Alex waited while Mingyue told her about the woman from the water-control building. Then he explained that people outside needed to know who would help them.
Luna asked how long that would take.
"Until we divide the work," he said.
"That isn't a time."
Petricia said nothing from beside the chair.
Alex looked at the food someone had brought for their daughter. She had pushed it aside while waiting for Mingyue.
"We'll come back before your next meal."
Luna made him repeat that both of them were coming. Petricia agreed to stay until the meal and drew her chair beside Luna's. Only then did their daughter let go of his sleeve.
Now he stood in the room where Thepes remained restrained, looking at the people Dorian had brought together.
