Bounds [VIII]

The wave of grief shocked her with its intensity. She slid down the curving wall, curling into a tight ball. She covered her head with her hands, trying to be silent, unwilling to cry out her misery in front of her companions.

She heard a stir in his corner, but Ju Feng said, tersely, "Leave it, Chang. Go back to sleep."

He thinks if something comes over, that will be the end of me, Chang Chang thought. I'll be howling, and bring every damn guard above and below the water running to throw us off the ship. He was probably right.

Wiping her eyes, Chang Chang took out the box again and removed the stack of letters. She wanted to read them. Even if they weren't in Chang Wei's hand, they were the closest link she had to her first great-uncle. She removed the ribbon and unfolded the topmost sheet, the one bearing her name.

Dear Granddaughter,

I leave today on a new adventure. Wuzhi calls to me, and I find I must answer her gentle whisper.