“You’re quick to volunteer others for a cause you’ve only been championing for a few days,” Latia snapped. She crossed her arms and leered up at me. “The Desert Boys aren’t just pawns you can use. They’re actual people. Dimic is Cion’s brother. Did you ever stop to think that he could get hurt? Or caught? Rodric won’t let him go again.” Her cheeks were aflame and her eyes bright with anger.

“I think Kateri is right,” Cion said. “We need to get in and destroy the controls once and for all.”

Latia opened her mouth to interject, but Cion silenced her by continuing on. “But I do think it’s too dangerous for all the boys to come. We need a small group. It’ll be just us and Dimic.”

“No,” Latia said. “He’s not coming.”

Cion sighed. “He’s the best lock picker, and you know it.”

“I don’t care,” she said. “He can’t come.” She chewed the side of her cheek so violently I thought she’d bite through.

“Latia . . .” Cion started.

“Don’t,” she said. “You weren’t there when he was caught last time. You didn’t have to hear him screaming. I won’t go through that again. I won’t let him go through that again.” Her voice broke. She turned away to stare back at the city.

Cion moved toward her and pulled her into a hug.

She melted into his arms, burying her face against his chest.

I couldn’t help but shiver at the memory of how much warmth that embrace brought. I shoved the thought away. He clearly had feelings for Latia. I’d been stupid for mistaking kindness for affection, but I guess when you’re not used to either, it’s easy to mistake the two.

“We’re not going to lose him,” Cion said. He stroked her hair.

“I don’t think I could take it again. Not after Remy . . .” She trailed off. “The only reason Rodric let him go last time is because he knows Dimic is reckless and would likely lead him to the hideout. He won’t release him again.”

He cupped her chin and forced her to look at him. “I won’t let anything happen to Dimic.”

She wiped her eyes and nodded, renewed by the conviction in his voice. “What do you need me to do?”

“Nothing,” he said. “I want you out of harm’s way. You should go back to the hideout. You’ll be safe there.”

She shook her head. “If I don’t go back, Rodric might get suspicious. We can’t risk that.”

“If anything went wrong, Rodric might suspect you since you went out tonight.” Cion pressed his lips together.

“I just hope you know what you’re doing then.”

“It’s the best chance we have.” He stared down at her.

They seemed to have forgotten I was there. I cleared my throat.

Cion had the decency to look a little sheepish as he took a step away from Latia.

“I still don’t like this, Cion,” Latia said.

“They’ll suspect something tomorrow if we don’t turn Kateri in and don’t attack the wells. It has to be tonight.”