The Island on the Edge of Forever (The Epic of Aravinda Book 2) Read Online Free PDF

one more minute.”
    “One minute? For what?”
    “Shh!”
    They stood in silence, and Asha admired the waterfall in its simple perfection.
    “Almost,” he said.
    Asha felt confused but remained silent. And as it flowed over the smooth rock from above, the wall of water glowed with a faint golden light. As they watched it, the glow grew brighter.
    “How is that happening?” she said.
    “Guess.”
    “Photo-sensitive minerals?”
    “Nope. You’re thinking too hard. What changed?”
    “Oh! The sun.”
    “Yep. Our sun is shining through a large crevice on the far side of the waterfall. We can’t see the crevice from here, but when the sunlight hits it just right…”
    “So the light is hitting the waterfall from behind?”
    “And to the side. Pretty cool, huh?”
    “It’s lovely.” Asha smiled. “Thank you for showing me.”
    The waterfall flowed as a living wall of gold now.
    “Of course.”
    They stood shoulder to shoulder in silence for some time, gazing at the golden splendor before them.
    She turned to him. “Any other secrets about the waterfall I should know about?”
    “Well, not unless you want to go to the observatory.”
    “I’m not sure I understand.”
    “Maybe one day, I’ll show you.” Zahn turned to her and gazed deeply into her warm, brown eyes. The afternoon light gave her olive skin a heavenly glow, and her dark brown hair flowed down over her shoulders. In the short time he had known her, she had somehow grown even more beautiful than when he’d first seen her in that dark hall.
    “You know, I’m really glad you’re here, Asha. And after we find you and your father a place to stay, I want to take you up to NearSky base.” A smile crept across his face. “I feel like the cliffs are calling out to us, even in this very moment.”
    Asha bit her lip as tension grew within her. “Actually, Zahn, we should talk about that. I’ve thought about your question. I’ve thought about it a lot, actually. And I talked to my father about it, too.”
    “And?”
    Asha took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Zahn. I don’t think staying here is the right thing to do. There are people near the outpost who need us. The marauders keep getting worse, and there’s no guarantee that we’ll ever be able to close up the wormhole they’re coming in through. ”
    Zahn’s expression fell, and all he could look at were the small pebbles at his feet.
    “Please remember,” she took his hand, “the outpost has been my home since I was small. Do you have any idea how much work my father and I did to carve that place out from what it was? It’s a part of me. I’m sorry, Zahn, I just can’t commit to staying on Avani. I hope you can understand.”
    “I think I do.” He looked into her eyes coldly and let go of her hand. “You’re afraid.”
    “What are you talking about? We have a responsibility, Zahn. Do you know how many people live in the Outpost Ring? They’re counting—”
    He cut her off. “That’s not the point. You’re afraid. I can feel it. Did you forget what we accomplished? We have the Tulari. You know what it’s capable of, Asha. With the Confederation on our side, who can stand against us?”
    “We can’t be everywhere, Zahn! Who is going to help the people out there on the edge if we’re not there? Tell me who!” Asha caught herself. She didn’t mean to raise her voice.
    “That’s exactly my point. If we’re divided, we’re more vulnerable. I think you’re making a bad strategic decision.”
    Asha heard a ringing in her left ear but ignored it. “I didn’t realize my personal decisions had to be strategic. I’m sorry. I’m just being honest. I’m not ready to move here.”
    “Good.” Zahn folded his arms. “Honesty is all I ever wanted.”
    Asha climbed up over the boulder and jumped down to the other side. Zahn climbed after her.
    “But I hope you realize that you’re choosing to live in a dead, hollowed-out rock.” Zahn jumped down off of the boulder.