“Thirty percent of whatever you gather goes to your house to share with your housemates.”
I could feel the anger radiating off of Adam at Matt’s answer. We both understood what Matt was saying. We were living on our own, temporarily, and once we were assigned group living, we’d need to share with everyone in our house.
“Screw that.”
“Waves are the last thing you need right now,” Matt said quietly. “You’re new, and people are watching.”
“So am I,” Adam said, finally lowering his voice. “You said there are over three hundred people here. If even a third of those are able-bodied, there should be a hell of a lot more people standing here, waiting to leave for a supply run.”
“People are afraid.”
“So afraid to leave that they’re willing to starve?” Adam shook his head. “You need to wake your people up.”
“That’s what I’ve been hoping will happen when they see people like you going out for supplies and getting extra for the effort.”
“Not when you’re still giving them the majority.”
“Trust me. Once it’s divided out, it’s not much.”
As Matt said the last word, a fey jumped over the wall, landing neatly inside.
“Holy shit,” Adam breathed.
Matt turned to look. “They’re impressive. Wait until you see them in action.”
Another fey jumped over the wall. He carried Ryan, the man who’d been with them the day before. As soon as the man was on his own feet, he jogged our way, the fey sticking close.
“Hey, Matt.”
“Morning, Ryan. How’s Mya?”
“Good. She’s getting out of the house more and has threatened to make Drav sleep on the couch if he tells her she needs to rest one more time.” Ryan grinned. “You can imagine how that went over.”
Matt chuckled then grew more serious.
“How’s Uan?” he asked.
“Cassie said it’s a miracle he made it home. He’s stitched up as best as Kerr could manage, and now it’s a waiting game.”
They were both silent for a moment before Ryan looked at Adam.
“It’s good to see you on your own two feet. I’m Ryan. I’m the voluntold leader of these supply runs.” He stuck out his hand, and Adam immediately shook it.
“How old are you?” Adam asked.
Ryan chuckled. “At the time of the quakes, I was seventeen. But I think the months since then are like dog years, you know? I feel more like twenty-five.”
Adam actually cracked a smile.
“I think you’re right,” he agreed. “How long have you been doing these supply runs?”
Ryan looked at Matt and shrugged. “You keep better track of the passing days than I do.”
“Almost since the beginning,” Matt said, clapping Ryan’s shoulder. “Back when it was a lot more dangerous.”
“It’s safer with the fey here to clear the houses and protect the convoy,” Ryan said before his gaze shifted to me. “Are you both going?”
I glanced at Adam, and he nodded.