84 EIGHTY FOUR: Piles of Questions

"It's not strange. It took just over a century to develop a complicated mirror system that could bring sunlight down from the surface."

Kel glanced over to see Soren standing next to her instead of the freckled girl.

"If anything," he continued, "it's an architectural feat."

"...Where did that girl go?" Kel asked, looking around.

"You mean Alaia? Her job is finished here, so she went back," Soren answered.

"Alaia. I see," Kel replied, straightening up. Turning to the man, she added, "So what is it you want from me?"

Soren smiled, reaching for a piece of her hair. Even in the faint scattered sun rays, it shimmered splendidly.

"I think this is our first meeting in which you didn't greet me with a stuttered 'you?!'," he remarked, ignoring her question. "How refreshing."

"Enough," Kel responded coldly, brushing his hand away. "Answer me."