I sit.
“What do you think?”
“About what?” His eyes don’t leave the window.
“Our chances.”
He’s quiet for a moment. “Yesterday, we were in cages. Today we’re not.”
“It’s not enough.”
“No, but it’s a start.” He glances at me. “You got us out. No one else has managed that.”
“Getting out was the easy part.”
“Easy?” He snorts. “You call that easy?”
“Easier than what comes next.”
“Vel thinks we should move soon. Before the humans figure out what happened.”
“She’s right.”
“Do you have somewhere in mind?”
“Not yet.”
“That’s not reassuring, Cairn.”
“If you wanted reassuring, you’re speaking to the wrong person. I’ll figure it out.”
“Always the optimist.”
“Someone has to be.”
He laughs, a short, rough surprised bark. “Never thought I’d hearyoucall yourself an optimist.”
“Times change.”
“That they do.” He’s quiet for a moment. “Get some sleep. I’ll wake you if I need you.”
“I’ve been out of the cage for a week. I’m more rested than you are.”
“Andyou’ll still rest, because we’re going to need that mind of yours sharp and focused for what’s coming.”
He’s not wrong about that. I lean my head back against the wall and close my eyes, my thoughts moving to Alleria.
She has access to me now, and I don’t know how to cut her off without severing the useful parts too. But that’s tomorrow’s problem.
Tonight, I’m too tired to care.
NINETEEN
ALLERIA
I wakewith the taste of blood in my mouth.
For one terrible moment, I’m still in the dream, standing in the lodge with Cowen’s head dripping on the wall, armor humming against my skin, and satisfaction curling through me like smoke. Then the morning light hits my face, and the sensation fades, leaving me gasping in tangled sheets that smell of lavender.
