Katelina woke. Her ears strained against the silence. She wondered if it was day or night, and if it mattered. Would sunlight offer her a reprieve when they were underground?

Her arms and legs ached, and her hands felt stiff. She flexed her fingers. They were sore, but not like they'd been. She wondered if Malick had anticipated Boris healing her. How else had he expected her to use the bucket?

"You are awake."

Katelina squinted at Boris' blocky silhouette. He ...