I sneak a glance at Asher. He’s had it worse than anyone I know. After all he’s been through, after the Loyalists raided Alkali Lake and killed his family, after the General had him tortured, after a lifetime of failing crops and dust storms, of sand squalls and baked-out earth, I’d have thought his faith would be shattered. Weakened, at the very least. But no, he’s sitting here beside me, still speaking of salvation coming, as though it’s a guarantee.

It’s depressing.

And the thought of him experiencing yet another disappointment makes my chest quake.

“It’s a scudding lie, Asher. You know that, right? The gods deserted us, and they’re never coming back. No combination of stars in the sky is going to bring green back to these wastes. All those signs of fertility—comets and star showers appearing at certain times? They’re meaningless. It’s just us trying to make sense of this rusted life, grasping for something—anything—to make us feel less alone. The gods might as well be yelling at us to scud off, and we’re still putting faith in them. It’s pathetic. And then for parents to feed all those lies to their kids? It’s cruel. I wish my ma never told me about the gods. I wish she—”

I stop abruptly, tears burning my eyes. Ma believed in them until the moment she died. I want to call her foolish for having such faith, but she’s gone, and I can’t bear to speak ill of the dead.

What would I tell Bay if she asked about the stars one day? Is it better to tell a lie if it helps people feel safe or hopeful? Or is it better to be honest, even if the truth hurts?

Asher’s still frowning. “You shouldn’t talk like that.”

“You sound like Indie.” The lump in my throat grows larger, because she’s gone, too. I flop down and roll away from Asher, tucking my hands beneath my cheek.

It’s deathly still for a moment. Somewhere far off, an owl screeches.

“Maybe rebirth isn’t coming,” Asher says quietly. “Maybe the gods have deserted us for good, and the stars are just lights in the sky, and green only exists in a Verdant we can’t find. I still think having hope can’t hurt. It got me through the darkest moments of my life. Maybe it will get you through yours.”

I grunt, unconvinced. Hope won’t save me. Action will. I need to get to Powder Town. Find someone who can read the map. Trade the knowledge with the General in exchange for my pack’s freedom and guaranteed entry into the Verdant—if it even exists. Only that will bring order back to my life.

I can feel Asher looking at me, waiting for a response. The brand practically tingles.

“Delta?”

I stay still, pretending to be asleep.