Unfortunately, one problem still remained.
A very large problem. I looked toward Gerald.
"There's something else I've been meaning to ask."
The old man was already reaching for the bottle again.
"That statement has described this entire conversation."
"How is Verilux finding us?"
The bottle paused halfway to his glass. That got his attention.
I continued.
"We escaped through the Portal Field. Crossed half the Soul Sea. Hid inside the carcass of a creature old enough to distort perception. Yet somehow it still found us. Twice."
Gerald nodded slowly.
"That would be because you're thinking about it incorrectly."
"What do you mean?"
The old man took a drink before answering.
"Most people assume Verilux is searching."
His gaze shifted toward the horizon.
"It isn't."
I frowned.
"Then what is it doing?"
"Hunting."
The answer immediately sounded worse. Gerald swirled the amber liquid inside his glass.
"Imagine a hunting dog."
The comparison caught me off guard.
