I think of Mayor Longsight and the way his acts of wonder have fostered new faith and belief.

“People want hope,” I say. My voice sounds very small in the stillness.

“We all do,” says Tanya. “But false hope is no hope at all.”

Chapter Twenty-four

We eat bread and foraged salad leaves as darkness falls. Summer is not far off and the nights are shorter. But still, it is cold. After we finish, Tanya takes Mel off to wash, and Solomon prepares our sleeping area, leaving Oscar and me alone by the fire.

“Isn’t it risky, having this fire?” I ask him.

“We need it. Besides, the people of Featherstone know where we are.” I raise my eyebrows in surprise. “They wanted us gone from the settlement and they didn’t really care where we went, as long as we’re not with them. If they wanted to attack us, they’ve had time.”

I lower my voice. “Why don’t you come back? You have a home in Saintstone – you have the crows. You would be safe.”

He is silent for a moment and then he looks at me. My heart races when he reaches out to hold my hand.

“I have a home here.” Oscar’s jaw tightens. “This is where I need to be – where I choose to be. They need help. I can’t just leave.”

His words hurt. I want him to say he is desperate to be wherever I am; foolishly, I want to matter more to him than anyone else – even the hungry people of Featherstone.

He brushes his thumb on my palm and my whole body feels like the fire.

“All my life Dad has raised me to think of the blanks first,” Oscar says quietly. “Being part of the crows was, is, everything to him – especially after Mum died – and by joining the group myself I knew I would at least be linked to the thing he cared about most. He cares about destroying Longsight and uniting blank and marked, and that’s it.”

“Your father cares about you,” I tell him. “I’ve seen him, read his marks – he’s in the jail with Obel, he’s in good spirits. You are the most important thing to him, not the crows.”

Oscar forces a smile. “And he cares, does he? So how often did he ask about me, Leora? Did he mention my name?”

I pause and think back. I realize all the talk was about Obel and Mayor Longsight’s plans. Oscar sees the expression on my face and nods.

“It was… He was trying to help Obel,” I say uselessly. Oscar just shakes his head.

“It’s OK, I’m used to it.” He shrugs. “It’s how it’s always been.”

I take his other hand in mine and make him look at me.

“You are wanted,” I say. “Your father wants you, and I…” I tail off, feeling shaky and lost under his calm gaze. “And you?” His voice is low and close.