Chapter Three: The Breathing Door

The black sea split down the middle. Beyond it lay not the wall, but a corridor paved with lenses. Each reflected a different conservation room: one empty, one crowded with faceless people, one veined with black roots. Gu caught her wrist. “You don't know whether you can return.” “Someone else will be replaced within seventy-two hours.” “Then we collect evidence and find help.” “Evidence for whom? The cameras see the version they're allowed to see.” Yanqiu met his eyes. “I have to find Zhou. I have to find my sister.” Tang Qi took conservation thread from her case and tied one end around Yanqiu's waist. “Fifteen minutes. If it breaks or turns black, we pull you back.” Yanqiu stepped through the frame.