Page 90 of Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky 3)

Sable stared at him, his ice blue eyes calculating. Perry concentrated on keeping his breathing even. On controlling the furious beating of his heart. His thoughts were already shifting to Cinder and the conversation he’d need to have.

Sable inclined his head. “After we cross, the Tides will remain yours alone. ” He was quiet for a moment, a smile spreading over his lips. “So, Peregrine,” he said. “I can uphold my side of our bargain. . . . Can you uphold yours?”

37

ARIA

Perry’s eyes flashed like daggers as he came back into the cave.

He strode up to Aria, his expression intent and feral, barely pausing as he leaned in to her. “I have to talk to Cinder,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. ”

He asked for Cinder and Marron and then he was off, making a direct path to the Battle Room.

Aria watched him go, her heart beating hard in her chest. What had just happened? What had Sable said? She looked around, seeing dazed looks on the faces of everyone around her.

“Did I miss something?” Straggler asked.

“I think we all did,” said Brooke.

They had expected a decision, news of some arrangement with Sable, but the waiting wasn’t over yet. Slowly, one by one, the crowd dissipated.

Roar stood in a small circle with the Six, exchanging ideas about what might have happened. Aria tried to follow their conversation, but she couldn’t concentrate.

“Aria,” Brooke said, walking up. “Do you have some time?”

Aria nodded. She moved away from Roar and the others and sat heavily on the wooden platform.

“I didn’t see you last night,” Brooke said, sitting next to her. “I mean I saw you, but we didn’t have a chance to talk. ”

She was making an effort to be friendly, finally, but Aria felt numb. Her mind was on Perry, and she couldn’t think of anything to say in return.

Brooke looked away; her eyes scanned the darkness before coming back to Aria.

“When you first came to the Tides, I had lost Liv. And . . . Perry, too, in a way. You even took Roar, which I didn’t realize I’d care about as much as I do—”

“I didn’t take anyone. ”

“I know,” Brooke said. “That’s what I’m trying to say. I know you didn’t, but it felt that way. When you came, everything that was mine suddenly became yours . . . except for Clara. You brought my sister back. You got her out of that Pod, and she matters more to me than everything else. Anyway, I wanted to thank you. And . . . sorry it took me a while to say it,” she added. Brooke stood and walked away.

Aria watched her go. She hadn’t forgotten how badly Brooke had behaved, but on top of those memories were better ones. Newer ones. Brooke’s bravery during the mission. Her loyalty to both Perry and Roar. Her quick wit with Soren.

That gave her an idea. Aria jumped up and caught up with her. “Brooke!”

She stopped, suddenly guarded. “What?”

“I could use your help with something,” Aria said. “If you’re willing. ”

Brooke shrugged. “Sure. ”

Aria took her to the Dweller cavern, explaining on the way. Inside, they found Jupiter, Rune, Caleb, and Soren sitting in a circle, playing a game with tattered cards.

She and Brooke sat down without waiting for an invitation.

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.

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