Emmett dreamed of the race. Crowds lined the single trail that cut through Aliak’s cluster of buildings like a main street, and somehow Emmett had lost Jack among the throng. He pushed and shoved through people whose heavy coats and thick furs prevented them from moving out of his way. It felt like he fought through a closet full of clothing—people yielded when he leaned against them, but didn’t make room for him to pass. “Jack!” he called out, fear racing his heart. The dog-sleds would run through town at any moment; he had to reach Lin Ji’s pavilion. Jack needed him, Emmett knew it. So where the hell was he?
“Jack!” Emmett cried again. He held his arms out in front of him like a drowning man seeking help. His fingers brushed over fur coats and cold, damp jackets. Behind him, something
