Reef crossed his arms. “Fear is dangerous. It sparks violence much faster than anger. Doesn’t it, Peregrine?”

“It can, yes.”

From the corner of his eye, Perry caught the small shake of Roar’s head. It felt so right, Reef’s lectures and Roar’s annoyance at Reef’s lectures. The moment strengthened him more than a bellyful of food.

“The Dwellers are harmless,” Molly said. “They’ll mix with us now that Aria is back. I’m more concerned about other things. Perry, you said we needed Hovers to reach the Still Blue. . . . We only have two.”

Perry acknowledged the problem and stated his position on the matter. Two Hovers wasn’t enough, but the Tides—and the Dwellers in the back—would stand together. He and Aria had agreed; they wouldn’t make a selection of people to go.

“I support that stance,” said Marron. “I’m behind you.”

“I’m behind you,” said Reef, “but I don’t support that stance. Why should we all perish?”

“Hold on,” Twig said. “Isn’t there another option besides perishing?”

“We could try to locate more Hovers,” said Marron, slurring a little.

“From another Pod?” Reef shook his head. “We don’t have time for that. We don’t know if other Pods even exist anymore.”

They wanted to take action, which Perry understood. It was always his impulse too. But this time, their best course was simply to wait.

Sable needed Cinder. He would come to them—soon. Perry had no doubt in his mind. But that knowledge would only put the tribe in a panic, so he held his tongue. The Tides would know soon enough.

As the debate continued, Perry’s gaze drifted to the children again. They took turns running up and smacking Straggler on the head, trying to get him to chase them. Cinder had moved off. He sat with Bear, looking especially small and frail next to the huge farmer whose life he’d saved.

Cinder’s favorite black cap had found its way back to his head. Molly’s doing, Perry was sure. She’d have had it waiting for him.

Cinder saw Perry watching him and forced a smile, though his eyes were almost closed.

“He’s tired,” Molly said. “I’ll find him a quiet place to sleep soon, but let’s give him a few more minutes. This is doing wonders for his heart.” She smiled, and added, “And mine.” She studied Perry, her brown eyes knowing. “They wanted him for his ability.”

Perry nodded. “He’s the only way to get through the barrier of Aether that surrounds the Still Blue.”

Molly pressed her lips together, falling silent for a moment. “You saw what it cost him to channel the Aether in the compound, Perry. He’s barely recovered at all since then. You know what it would mean for him to use his ability in his condition?”