The Fractured Dark (The Devoured Worlds, #2)

by Megan E. O'Keefe

Fletcher had been wrong. The memories weren’t a prelude to her breaking. They were an echo of her healing.

Exactly. She’s becoming whole. Transcending her past.

“Little Naira Sharp died in her mother’s arms on Second Cradle. But her mother brought her back, before succumbing to her own injuries. Nai’s been a print, entwined with canus, since she was seven years old. They’re one. She cannot be cracked.

Whaaat—??

The printing bay cubicle light switched from red to green. Fletcher rubbed his hands together. “Let’s ask the woman who did it, then, shall we? It’s time to wake Ms. Sharp.”

Fletcher is bringing Naira’s mom back?!

“I told you, Ms. Sharp. You’re safe with me. This Mercator, he doesn’t understand, but I do. Nai died, didn’t she? She died and you couldn’t let her go, so you printed her before you succumbed to your injuries. It’s fine. You’re not in trouble. I just need to know how you did it. You used canus to stabilize her, didn’t you? They’re bonded.” “I did no such thing.” Dr. Sharp pulled her head back, away from Fletcher’s looming visage, but could only retreat as far as the upright position of the gurney. “I don’t even know where I would start to do something like that. I’m a botanist, Doctor, not a… a map or print specialist.

So Naira’s mother did NOT map/print Naira when she was 7.

“You don’t need to lie to me, Ms. Sharp. I know Nai better than anyone. She’s special. She’s always been special. She never got sick. Something about her printing frightened the technicians. I know. I know what she is. I see her like no one else can.” “I don’t think you see my daughter at all,” Dr. Sharp said. Fletcher’s nails drew blood. “Don’t make me force the truth out of you.” Dr. Sharp punched him in the face.

“Ms. Sharp?” Haha! Fuck yeah, DOCTOR Sharp!

“You really are Liege Tarquin Mercator, then? I couldn’t be sure. Last I saw of you were baby pictures on the news.” He ventured a sly smile. “I prefer Dr. Mercator.” She barked a laugh and let her head rest against the bed, shaking it slowly. “Very well, Doctor. But make it quick. It’s been thirty-one years. I don’t want to waste another second.”

Hahaha! Fuck yeah, Dr. Sharp and Dr. Mercator are getting along!