Page 123 (1/2)

Relared at her in shock “You! Why have you kidnapped us?”

Vanya shrugged “I did try to warn you to leave the island Several times But you wouldn’t pay heed This is what happens when you think you’re so superior that you don’t have to listen to the well-intentioned advice of those who care about you”

“That’s not an answer,” Saain

“You stuck your noses where they didn’t belong That created a probleain, you arned”

“What are you talking about?” Remi demanded

“Apparently, you believe I’ot that backwards So let’s start hy you were rooting around in the caves What were you looking for?”

“We weren’t looking for anything,” Lazlo lied unconvincingly “Just exploring”

Vanya sighed “My associates here are waiting to take you apart, limb by limb I’d hoped to have a civilized discussion, but if you want to progress to the ugliness, so be it”

Re for artifacts Some of the evidence we found in the sunken city pointed to the caves,” she said, offering a partial truth

“Ah, yes The infaarded them curiously “What artifacts?”

“Itenificance,” Remi fired back

“Well, I hope it orth it to you because it cost you your lives”

Saet aith this Too many people knoe’re here”

Vanya laughed “In case you haven’t noticed, the island’s aith rebels Foreigners and politicians are falling like bowling pins So a few le in the midst of a civil war? I’ Perhaps I’ll deliver the eulogy—about troubled tienerous spirits”

“Why are you doing this?” Remi whispered