As Alek stormed back to the Leviathan, his heart was heavy. He couldn't believe his best friend had deceived him like this. He had confided in Dylan - no that couldn't be her real name, he thought, chiding himself on his stupidity. He should have seen it sooner, the signs were all there, he was just too oblivious to recognize them. Or maybe he just hadn't wanted to, unwilling to give up his best and only friend. Anger flashed through him, whether at himself or his former friend he was unsure. But by the time Alek reached the Leviathan, his rage had faded, and now all he wanted was solitude. Alek felt weary and exhausted, craving sleep, his one escape from this messed up life.
He dreamt of Deryn. She was the airman Alek knew, and the pair were on the Leviathan's deck together, laughing at some unknown joke. But before his eyes, "Dylan" turned into Deryn, sharp features softening, hair growing rapidly, curves accentuated in an elegant dress. Her easy smile became cruel and mocking as she taunted him, "Some king you'll be. You could barely even see the truth about me."
Alek awoke, gasping and sweaty, sheets tangled around his legs.
By the time the sun rose, Alek was still in bed, wide awake, staring as if in a trance at the ceiling.
