Chapter Five: The Shadow Arrives First

“They aren't copies,” Shen Jing said. “They're people you ran out of time to become.” A full-length mirror led to Daocuan. Xu Man could not cross. She stayed to shut off the pursuing lights and gave Cheng her marker. “I may forget your name. I won't forget that someone owes me an explanation.” Cheng and Shen Jing stepped through. Sundial Square hung between two towers, its gnomon a narrow stone beam. A black sun rose from underground, sending their shadows racing vertically along the buildings. Cheng ran opposite their pull, keeping his body ahead. Twelve Daocuan years slowed Shen Jing. Her shadow was still nineteen, and it skipped past her into the square. Shen Jing's legs turned to stone. “Leave me. The appointment is yours!”