I can’t step back into the wastes—not without learning how to read the map. If I do, my pack’s fate is as good as sealed. But here in Powder Town, I can work hard and honestly for a few days. Maybe in the process I’ll even meet someone who can read the map’s language. And then . . .

“Fine,” I say.

“Security reports to Luce the Reaper, and you already got a glimpse of that job. The prosperity division is made of doctors and farmers, stewards to the body and earth. Amari the Tender oversees it. And then there’s—”

“Production,” I say. “I’ll work in production.” If there’s a recipe for black powder written down anywhere, people who can read will work in this division—people who know the Old Language and maybe even others.

The Prime nods. “Bronx the Chemist manages all aspects of powder production. Saph will let her know you’ve chosen to serve her pillar. It’s good to have you with us, Delta of Dead River.”

“What about Asher?”

“What about Asher?” she echoes. The Prime’s eyes slide to my friend. “You agreed to work for the Chemist once too, but then you ran.”

“To try to find my old pack,” he says. “I only wanted temporary asylum until I was strong enough to travel again. I told you I had no intention of staying, and you gave me no choice but to lie. It was go back into the wastes to be captured or to die, or say I would work for the Trinity and leave when it was safe.”

The Prime frowns. “We are one here, Asher of Alkali Lake. We are unified. Your heart is not with us—it wasn’t then, and it isn’t now—and so you may not stay.”

Saph grabs the meaty part of Asher’s arm, tugs him from his seat.

“He’ll stay,” I blurt out. “This time, he’ll stay.”

The Prime raises her brows. “Why’s that?”

“Because of me. That’s why he left last time—to find me, my people. But I’m here now, with him, so he won’t run.”

Asher stares at me as if I’ve told the Prime a terrible secret.

She looks between us, coolly. Her lone eye has an intensity that unsettles me, as though she can see every truth I’ve refused to share. But then the corner of her mouth lifts slightly, and she says, “This is your final chance, Asher of Alkali Lake. Report to the Chemist alongside Delta. If you run again, you will not be welcomed back.”

“Thank you,” he murmurs, bowing his head to her. “Thank you.”

“Show them off, please,” she says to Saph. “And tell Amari I’ll see her about the water report now.”