The train gathered speed, the rhythm of its wheels smoothing into something almost hypnotic. The freight car smelled of dust and old wood, with a faint metallic tang that settled at the back of my throat. I kept my arms around Marga, feeling each breath she took, counting them like they might slip away if I didn’t pay attention.

Elijah crouched near the opening, one hand braced against the wall, eyes scanning the passing landscape as if he could already see threats coalescing out of the ...