Sometime later, I wake up, groggy and sicker to my stomach than I was before. Afternoon light streams in through the slats of wood that make up the roof of the car, enough to help me see. Callen sees me awake and gives me a nod. A knife glints in his hand. I keep quiet as he pushes the tip of the blade into the soft pads of his fingers to stay awake. The train shakes like it’s rolling over stones.

“What is that?” I ask.

Callen cocks his head. “It’s been doing that sometimes. I don’t think the track is as good here.”

I must have fallen asleep again, because when I open my eyes, I’m slumped on the floor. Apparently, my body’s need for rest—especially to overcome my staying up so late the night before—overpowers my desire to be helpful to the team. My arm is numb from how I slept, and it tingles as I sit up. Ox’s cloak slides off my shoulders as I do, and I curl my fingers around the fabric. He must have put it over me as I slept. The warrior in question is on watch.

“How long have I been out?” I whisper, scooting closer to him.

“It’s hard to tell,” he replies. “No bells. No sky. But it is dark now.”

“I can see that,” I say lightly. “How are you?”

“Not great.”

“Yeah, me too.”

He sighs. “But I’m glad you’re here. I’d rather know exactly where you are and that you’re okay than have to be wondering if maybe you somehow got sick, too, or if you were sent out on a team after all.”

Skies, there he goes. Catching me off guard with his kindness.

“But…,” he whispers. “And I know this isn’t the place. But if there’s something I should know, I want you to tell me.”

My stomach flips. What does he mean? Did he see through my lie about warriors-elect being sent out? I was so careful to channel my inner Shirene and consider my words tactfully so as to not give it away. “What?”

“I know you two are close,” Ox says. “And I’m not about to get in the way of that.”

Oh. He’s talking about Callen. I swallow hard. “We’ve known each other a really long time.”

“That doesn’t answer the question.”

I turn my head so I can speak closer to his ear. “We’re not together, if that’s what you’re worried about.” Immediately, he tightens his arm around my waist.

“Good,” he says. “Because you still owe me a dance.”

“I keep my word.” I try to match his lighter tone, but it’s hard to forget just where we are and how much danger the city is still in. I didn’t risk my dream for Callen or Ox, or even myself.

Loyalty above all.