Riley’s smile only grows, but then his face turns serious as he, Arryn, and Smith start to quietly discuss their plans for addressing the Remnants, debating whether they should call a meeting tonight or wait until morning. They mention Keeda, Pandora, and Jet, as well as Liana and a number of other people; some names I recognize, some I don’t. Enzo and Cami jump in to offer their opinions, with Enzo’s face revealing a glimmer of hope when Dante’s name comes up. I realize that he’ll finally be able to tell his brother the truth about his spying role and his allegiance to SCARS, and hopefully heal the rift between them.

When their conversation moves to Lengard and how we’ll break the news to the Speakers there, including Crew and Sneak, I find myself stepping away. Somewhat hesitantly, I head over to where Ward is leaning against the railing and staring out at the water as we pull away from the dock.

“Mind if I join you?”

My heart is galloping in my chest, my mouth dry as I wait for his answer.

He doesn’t say anything, but shuffles sideways in invitation.

I rest my forearms beside his, standing close enough that I feel his welcoming heat, a balm against the frigid temperature seeping into my bones.

“Are you okay?” I whisper.

This time he does answer. “Not even close.”

I don’t know what to say. There’s so much we need to talk about, so much between us—not just from the last few days, but also from our time together in Lengard. There’s so much I need him to explain, so much I need to understand.

And yet …

All I can think about is how he must be feeling right now after being forced to do someone else’s bidding for days; forced to hurt his friends, forced to hurt his sister.

Forced to hurt me.

As I’m trying to figure out what I can possibly say, he lets out a deep sigh and moves closer to me, our arms nearly touching, as he says, “But I will be.”

Those four words hold such a depth of emotion, of power. I know instinctively that he’s not just talking about himself—he’s talking about me, too.

I’m not okay.

But I will be.

“I have something for you,” he says before I can think of a response.

My mind goes blank when he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a clear glass vial.