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Half an hour’s bus ride through the winding suburban streets brought Quentin to a halt outside a rundown courtyard. Maja
followed him as they entered. The moment the door creaked open, she was hit with the pungent aroma of medicinal herbs,
underscored by the sound of coughing from an elderly person and a child. “Quentin, you’re back!” “Look, Quentin’s home.” Soon
enough, about a dozen kids swarmed out, all flocking around Quentin. Quentin nodded and calmed the kids for a moment before
turning to Maja, “Come with me.” She followed him into the farthest room of the house. The room, though well-lit, was stark in its
simplicity. The ceiling was leaking, with a bowl placed underneath to catch the drips. “Madam, I met someone today.” Pushing
the door open, the one referred to as ‘Madam’ was a middle-aged woman who looked as if she was running on fumes. She
glanced up, her hand covering a fit of coughing. “And who might this be?” “She’s well-off and curious about my tattoo.” Maja
Quentin continued, “Madam, let her take over your teaching duties.” Maja furrowed her brow, still in the dark about what was
unfolding. The woman on the bed sat in silence, then finally shook her head. “That’s too risky. It could cost her life at any
moment.” “Isn’t investigating the tattoo a life-threatening endeavor as well?” The woman on the bed stiffened, then gave a pale,
wry smile. “That’s true.” Maja stood to the side, wisely remaining silent, not pressing with questions. She heard the woman cough
again, and when their eyes met, the woman asked, “What should I call you?” “My name is Maja Pennyfeather.” “Ms.
Pennyfeather, do you understand what a jellyfish tattoo signifies?” Maja shook her head. The woman and Quentin exchanged a
look. Quentin poured her a glass of water, his tone even, “The jellyfish tattoo is a mark of distinction on this island, and it’s also a
dark secret.” “Why keep it a secret? And how did this kid come by it?” “Maja, if you really want to know, you’ll have to agree to
our terms. Take up a position at Outer Island High School, replacing me.” “I’ve never taught before.” “I teach art, and you
wouldn’t be there to teach. There’s
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something far more important for you to do. If you agree, I’ll tell you everything you want to know about the tattoo.” Maja weighed
her options in silence. Quentin upped the ante, “On Outer Island, no one knows more about the tattoo than Madam and me.”
Seeing Maja’s hesitation, the woman coughed more violently, as if her lungs were about to spill out. The heavy medicinal scent
filled Maja’s nostrils. After a moment’s consideration, she agreed. Quentin looked towards the woman on the bed, taking her
hand in his. Tears welled up in her eyes. “Oh, Quentin, if only someone could save you, that would be wonderful.” Quentin patted
her hand gently, then turned his back to Maja, pointing to the tattoo on the back of his neck. “This thing showed up just this year.
Every senior at Outer Island High has to take a comprehensive exam. Only the top ten are chosen for this tattoo. It’s a tradition
that’s been upheld for many years here, and we’ve always taken pride in it.” “But a month ago, Madam overheard a conversation
between two mysterious figures. It turns out that this ‘honor’ is actually a selection process for those who will be turned into
sacrificial lambs. None of them are ever seen again. Those chosen are said to serve the high-ranking individuals on Inner Island,
but nobody knows what happens to them. Over the years, those who have been taken from Outer Island have never returned.”
“We always believed the tattoo was a symbol of immense fortune, a chance to change our fates. We never imagined it was a
one-way ticket to the end.”
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