2. Neophyte and Paradox

One familiar looking plant laden with plump, garnet berries caught Sofie’s eye. The feathery foliage was alien, but the berries resembled a tart variety from Capella. She wondered whether these would taste the same. She plucked one. “Don’t eat that.” The empress’ cold, sharp voice whipped through the air. Sofie’s hand froze mid-air. “Sorry. I …