“You shouldn’t have made this so difficult! As a leader, you must know that the individual serves the group. The sacrifice of one man for the safety of many cannot be so different to your kind.”

“It isn’t.”

“Then why have you resisted?”

Perry didn’t answer at first. He didn’t want to have this conversation with a man he didn’t respect. But he needed to say what he felt aloud—for himself. It was time to accept what he’d known for weeks.

“I knew there’d be no chance for anyone without his ability. But I had to let him decide his own fate.” Perry could have ordered Cinder; the boy would’ve done anything he asked. But this way, Perry hoped, Cinder would feel like he’d kept some small sense of control over his own life. Cinder had been pressured, but he’d still made the choice in the end.

Hess made a huffing sound. “You’re his leader. You should have commanded him.”

Perry shrugged. “We see things differently.”

“How can you pretend to be so noble? Look at you. Look at what Sable’s done to you.”

“I don’t pretend, and these bruises are nothing compared to what Sable will get in return.”

Saying those words, the hunger for revenge opened up inside him, terrifying and powerful. He was no different from Roar. He’d only ignored the urge. But he couldn’t anymore.

Hess ran a hand over his face, shaking his head. “Your problem is that you want to challenge Sable forcibly. This is not a test of strength! We are not in the medieval era! It is about leverage and strategy.” He waved a hand, growing more anxious. “Look around you. I have control of everything. The Komodo. The fleet of Hovers outside. All the medicine, food, and weapons. I gave Sable some pistols and stun batons, but they are toys compared to what I have kept locked away. Medicines. Food. Communications. They are all under me. We go nowhere and do nothing unless I command it.”

“You left people off your list,” Perry said.

“Nonsense. They’re mine too,” Hess spat.

“You’re sure?”

“I have been a commander far longer than you’ve been alive, Outsider. My pilots and Guardians are highly trained. If you think Sable’s going to—”

The blare of an alarm exploded into the chamber. Hess’s eyes snapped up to the speakers.

Perry’s balance faltered as the floor kicked up, a feeling like falling in reverse. He jumped off the cot as the room continued to rise in upward lurches. He found his balance and met Hess’s shocked gaze just before Hess fled the room.

The Komodo was on the move.

27. Aria

27

ARIA

How long have we been here?” Aria asked. “In the Komodo?”

“Forty-eight hours, give or take,” Soren said. “Why?”

“I had forgotten it’s mobile,” she said.