I know where we are. The Tides’ territory is shaped like an hourglass, narrower in the middle, broader at its poles. Three hours of running due east would cut right through this narrow section and put us at the edge of the territory—or just beyond.

Though I’m positive about where we’ve ended up, I need to hear Hayden say it. I don’t know if I’ll really believe it otherwise.

My voice is barely above a breath as I say, “Tell me.”

Chapter 8

8

The borderlands,” Hayden says.

Where chaos reigns. My father’s voice fills my mind. It’s what he always says when the borderlands are mentioned. Like it all goes together. One long name for a place that belongs to no one.

The borderlands, where chaos reigns.

Also, where I am currently standing.

The knowledge spreads through me like ice, chilling my overheated muscles.

As a little girl my nightmares were about this very place. I dreamed that monsters and wolves and ghouls lived here. Bloodthirsty creatures that tore into flesh for no reason. Now I am older and I know better.

Monsters and ghouls don’t commit atrocities out here. People do.

“Does it feel like coming home?” I hear myself say. I don’t know what I want from Hayden’s response. Maybe some assurance that he’s as comfortable here as anywhere.

Hayden lifts an eyebrow. “If home is where a person finds sanctuary and peace, then this place has never been that to me.”

His tone is surprisingly somber. What was it like for him to look after two younger brothers out here? Did he worry about Hyde and Straggler constantly, like I worry about Clara?

He smiles at me suddenly. It’s a cover-up grin, like Clara’s sunbeam smile. Like he believes he said something he shouldn’t have.

“Drink,” he says, handing me a water skin.

“Thanks.” I take it. I finished mine an hour ago. The leather skin is warm and damp from his grip.

“Don’t worry about being out here. It’s not as bad as you think.”

I take a long drink and hand the skin back to him. “I can stomach anything except lies.”

“Fair enough. It is as bad. But we’ll be safe on this hill until the wind carries the smoke away.”

I consider our position and see that he’s right. Our hill is small, but we have a few oak trees here that will give us some cover, and an unobstructed view on every side. No one will sneak up on us without earning an arrow between the eyes.