He’d expected the answer. Perry would never leave Roar in trouble either. But Cinder was another matter. “Did the kid leave?”

“Still on our tail,” Roar said. “I told you he’s a burr. Your little talk with him earlier didn’t help. He’ll probably never leave now.”

“You heard us?”

“Every word.”

Perry shook his head. He’d forgotten the strength of his friend’s ears. “You ever get tired of eavesdropping?”

“Never.”

“What do you think he’s done, Roar?”

“I don’t care and neither should you. Come on. Let’s catch up to Aria. She’s that way.”

“I know which way she went.”

Roar thumped him on the shoulder. “Just making sure you noticed.”

Late into the night, with the miles blurring together, Perry’s thoughts took on the vividness of dreams. He imagined Cinder on the beach, being dragged into a Hover by Dwellers. Then Talon, surrounded by black-caped men with crow masks. By daybreak, the Croven were closing on them like a net, and Perry had decided to do whatever it took. He would not hold Cinder’s life in his hands.

“I’ll be back,” he said. He turned downhill, letting Roar and Aria pull ahead. Cinder wasn’t in eyeshot, but Perry knew he wasn’t far. He let the stinging sensation in his nose lead him to the boy.

When he found Cinder, Perry kept back for a moment and watched him through the woods. He had a lost, sorrowful look about him when he didn’t think he was being watched. It was harder to see him this way than when he sneered.

“Last chance to leave,” Perry said.

Cinder jumped back, swearing. “You shouldn’t sneak up on me, Scire.”

“I said it’s time for you to go.” The terrain ahead opened into a broad plateau. Cinder wouldn’t have the cover of the woods to help him make a break on his own. He would be trapped with them if he didn’t leave now.

“This isn’t your territory,” he said, spreading his bony arms wide. “And I’m not pledged to you.”

“Get out of here, Cinder.”

“I told you before. I go where I want.”

Perry slid off his bow, nocked an arrow, and aimed at Cinder’s throat. He didn’t know what he planned to do, only that he couldn’t watch this scrawny boy die because of him. “Be gone before it’s too late.”

“No!” Cinder shouted. “You need me!”

“Leave now.” Perry brought the bowstring back to full draw.

Cinder made a low, growling sound. Perry sucked in a breath as the prickling sensation behind his nose sharpened, turned to stabbing.