A Dark and Drowning Tide

by Allison Saft

“How did you escape, anyway?” “I offered it coffee.” Sylvia fixed her with a very unusual expression. “I don’t recall ever discussing alps with you.” “No?” Heat crept into her cheeks. “I’m certain you must have some time or another. Or perhaps I read it somewhere.” “You must have, although I’m only aware of one book that discusses alps’ weakness for coffee.” A horrible, self-satisfied smile spread across her face. “Lorelei, have you…read my books?” “Of course not,” she snapped. “I have better things to do with my time.” “You have!” Sylvia clapped her hands together. “Oh! I hardly know what to say. Did you like them?” The truth was, Lorelei had read every word Sylvia had ever published. For the first few months of her tenure at Ruhigburg University, Lorelei had not known her name. She only knew her as the white-haired girl who attended every single visiting scholar’s lecture with a clear intent to argue. Her hand shot up constantly—sometimes her entire body, if she felt compelled to argue her point strongly. It was only after a while that someone interrupted her mid-speech and said, That’s enough, Miss von Wolff.

OK HERE WE GO