Evie burns the second half of the wound, and this time Brio tosses his head back so fiercely he almost flings himself over the stone. She tightens her grip on his ankle to steady him, and a few moments after she removes the still-burning blade he begins to relax, though his rune-covered face is now pouring with sweat.

“It’s all over,” she practically coos to him. “You did well.”

“You lived on the streets?” Brio asks, breathless, as Evie begins wrapping his calf with the remaining rags. “As Evie, I mean.”

She shrugs. “It’s no worse than how I began life.”

“A life I promised you’d never return to.”

“If you had that kind of power neither of us would be here in this place now. I was playing a role, that’s all. And it worked.”

Brio nods, accepting that as best he can. “Why did Lexi seek you out for this mission she concocted?”

“She remembered me from when we were children, and she remembered how devoted I was to you after your parents took me in. She said I was the only other woman you’ve ever loved. I was surprised that it didn’t sound at all like an accusation.”

“If Lexi even possesses lesser qualities, jealousy isn’t one of them, especially in the face of a task to which she’s appointed herself.”

“She’s a very determined woman.”

“Apparently it’s a virtue I seek out in the women I love.”

Evie ignores his implication, finishing a perfect field dressing on his leg.

“I understand why Lexi did this,” Brio says carefully, “but why did you agree to it?”

Evie shrugs. “Maybe I feel like I still owe your kith-kin.”

“They put you out,” Brio reminds her.

“And before that they saved my life.”

“Ashana, why—”

“Where’s all the proof you uncovered?” Evie cuts him off. “What did you do with it before they took you?”

“I left it with a friend, someone I trust. She’ll still have it, believe me.”

“We have to get word to Lexi, now,” Evie insists.

“Why can’t we tell her ourselves, after we’ve escaped?”

“Because it may take some time for that second part to happen. But we may be able to have a message delivered to her.”

“How?”

“A new friend of mine. If you lean on me, can you walk?”

“If you tell me I need to, then I can.”

Evie takes his hands in hers once more, this time using them to pull Brio to his feet. He winces and grinds his jaw to muffle whatever agonized sound is ruminating in his throat. He secures one arm around Evie’s shoulders and with her supporting half his weight is able to limp with relative ease and pain.

They find Spud-Bar sitting against one of the armory wagon’s rear wheels, sharpening the blade of an ax with a whetstone the size of a brick.