Brooke nodded to Jupiter in greeting. Then she raised her hands and wiggled her fingers in the air. “Hi, Soren,” she said.

Soren smiled for the first time since his father had died. It was a tired smile, a little sad, too, but it was a smile. He lifted his hands, wiggling back as he said, “Hi, Laurel.”

They were teasing each other, but for a second Aria thought she saw something gentle pass between them.

Then Brooke looked at Rune and said, “How do you play this game?”

“You want to play?” Rune challenged. Her eyes flicked to Aria. It was clear she knew this was Aria’s idea.

Brooke shook her head. “I don’t want to play; I want to win. But if you give me the rules, I’ll take it from there.”

Her confidence stunned Rune, whose mouth went slack.

Soren sat up, scooting closer into their circle. “I need to see this.”

A grin spread over Jupiter’s face. He dropped an arm around Rune’s shoulders. “Go on, Ru. Teach her.”

Caleb glanced at Aria, smiling in giddy anticipation. She could almost read his thoughts. Rune and Brooke were either going to attack each other, or become fast friends before this was over.

Aria already knew the outcome.

She watched them play, trying her best to keep her thoughts here instead of on Perry and Cinder.

Some time later, Talon and Willow came running. “Aria! He’s out!”

She shot to her feet and hurried back to the main cave. Her friends followed her. Other Dwellers came too.

The Tides were somber and tense as they crowded around the stage. Aria searched every face standing around the stage twice but she didn’t see Perry.

Marron climbed up to the platform, smoothing the front of his shirt as he waited for people to give him their attention. His blue eyes found Aria. The look he sent her—sorry, worried—made her knees soften.

“Peregrine is with Cinder,” Marron said. “He’ll be along soon, but since time is of the essence, he asked me to make this announcement on his behalf.”

He addressed the Tides calmly, without changing the tone or volume of his voice. Drawing a breath, he continued. “An agreement has been reached with the Horns. We’re leaving. We’re joining them on the journey to the Still Blue.”

The crowd thrummed with surprise and cries of celebration. Amid the happy sounds were others, angry voices and harsh words.

“That can’t be right,” Roar said. “Perry would never join up with Sable.”

“Not unless he’s lost his mind,” said Soren.

Reef’s and Twig’s reactions were less coherent. A stream of curses poured from their mouths.