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“I did not ask him to bring me.”

“No.” Pela’s expression softened slightly. “But water does not care who asked.”

Before Kesta could answer, a deeper voice came from behind them.

“The condenser began failing three days before her pod entered atmosphere.”

Dreven walked toward the cistern with Keth beside him. He had put his armor back on, though the damaged shoulder plate hung loose while Keth carried a bundle of tools beneath one arm. Dust streaked the dark scales along Dreven’s hands.

Pela turned to face him without lowering her gaze.

“And Red Basin?”

“They heard the claim because I sounded it.”

“So the risk is yours.”

“Yes.”

Kesta looked at him.

No hesitation.

No attempt to shift responsibility onto the law.

Pela tapped the ration ledger. “Risk still drinks water.”

Dreven held out his hand.

Kalla gave him a cup barely half full.

He looked into it, then poured half into the marked vessel beside Pela.

Kesta’s brows drew together.

Pela’s ears angled back. “That is not enough to solve the condenser.”

“No.”

“Then what does it solve?”

“Nothing.” Dreven returned the cup to Kalla. “It means the additional ration is mine until council assigns Kesta independent status.”

Kesta stared at him. “You’re giving me your water?”

Dreven looked toward her, and one dark brow rose as if he found the question peculiar.

“I am covering a cost created by my decision.”

“You could have mentioned that.”

“Why?”

“So I would know.”

His mouth tightened at one corner. “Would knowing have made you less angry about the claim?”

“No.”