Noah puts up a pretense at being okay, but Blue doesn't have to be a psychic to tell it's a front. He's paler, less solid; even his voice sounds half-strangled.

He's rarely anything but cheerful, except regarding his own death. Even with things he's afraid of. Maybe this isn't her business, but Blue can't imagine anyone hurting Noah and doesn't want to. Thinking about Whelk is about enough forever. She's already defensive in the pit of her stomach.

Besides, he knows more about her than almost any of the others.

"Hey," she says back, slowly. "What happened?"