Perry went to Vale’s room and crossed his arms, leaning against the door frame. Molly sat in a chair by the bed, watching over Cinder. His sacrifice had bought the Tides time to reach the cave in safety. Because of him, they’d been able to dig Bear out of the rubble alive. Cinder was as much Molly’s now as he was Perry’s.

“How’s he doing?” Perry asked.

Molly caught his eye and smiled. “Better. He’s awake.”

Perry stepped into the room. Cinder’s eyes fluttered open. He looked gray and hollow-boned, his breath rasping and shallow. He was wearing his usual cap, but his head was bald beneath. Perry scratched his chin, remembering. The only thing Cinder had said when he’d come to the night of the storm was Don’t let anyone see me.

“I’ll head up and make sure everything is set for him,” Molly said, leaving them.

“You ready to go?” Perry asked Cinder. “I’ve got one more trip before I’m coming back for you.”

Cinder licked his lips. “I don’t want to.”

“Willow’s going to be there. She’s been waiting to see you.”

Cinder’s eyes filled with tears. “She knows what I am.”

“You think she cares that you’re different? You saved her life, Cinder. You saved the Tides. Right now I think she likes you better than Flea.”

Cinder blinked. Tears rolled down his face, seeping into the pillow. “She’ll see me this way.”

“I don’t think she gives a damn what you look like. I know I don’t. I won’t force you, but I think you should come. Marron has a special place set up for you, and Willow needs her friend back.” He grinned. “She’s driving everyone crazy.”

Cinder’s mouth twitched in a brief smile. “All right. I’ll go.”

“Good.” Perry rested his hand on Cinder’s hat. “I’m grateful for you. Everyone is.”

Gren waited outside with a horse. “I’ll keep an eye on him,” he said, handing Perry the reins.

The compound was quiet, but across the clearing Perry saw Forest and Lark packing up their own mounts. They looked over, tipping their heads at him.

Since the night of the storm, Kirra had no longer flirted or pushed him. In the span of a week, she’d gone from interested to indifferent, and he was fine with it. He regretted every second he’d spent with her on the beach. He regretted every second he’d ever spent with her.

Perry swung up into the saddle. “I’ll be back in an hour,” he told Gren.