“First, we wait awhile,” said Fifer. “Not just so we can be strong and fully healthy again, but also to get the Revinir chomping at the bit.”

“She’s going to expect me to be suffering and ready to give up,” Thisbe said. “So I can’t look too healthy.”

“True,” said Fifer. “But I want your ankle fully healed.”

“Fair. And I agree, we want her to be getting anxious and wondering if I’ll ever come around. The more time that goes by, the better the chances she’ll believe I’ve come to work with her.” Thisbe hesitated. “She’ll ask about you, Fifer. What’s our plan there?”

Dev chimed in. “Play up the good-evil thing. You’re evil; Fifer’s good; you left her behind. She loves talking about that stuff. It’s like how some people talk about astrology and the stars—she’s a true believer that it means something.”

Thisbe glanced at him. “Don’t you believe in the good-evil levels?”

“Pfft. It’s bollocks.”

“Really?” said Fifer, sitting up. “But what about you? You’re fifty percent good and fifty percent evil, and your actions totally fit that.”

Thisbe flashed Fifer a warning look, and Dev’s jaw dropped. “I’m… what now?” he asked. “I don’t think I knew that.” He frowned, thinking it over.

“Hux said not to tell him,” Thisbe muttered. “The knowledge can really mess with your mind. Believe me.”

Dev tapped his lips. “Exactly half? That’s unusual, isn’t it?”

“It’s probably not even accurate anymore,” Thisbe said. “That’s just what Hux told us when we first met you. These levels must change all the time.”

“I didn’t think it was still a secret,” said Fifer sheepishly. “Sorry, Dev. And Thisbe’s right. You’ve changed a lot since we first met you. You seem to be more good than evil now.”

“See?” Thisbe exploded. “Now you’re making assumptions! You’re saying that just because Dev is nicer to you than he used to be, it means he’s somehow gotten more goodness in him. And that is not at all an indicator! I’m nice to you. Does that mean I’m mostly good? Obviously not.”

“You’re being kind of a snot right now,” Fifer remarked.