Shield of Sparrows

Zavier seeks Odessa out for a private conversation. Their reunion is awkward and stilted. Odessa asks about Zavier’s daughter, and he informs her that Evangeline, or “Evie,” is four and that very few people know she’s his daughter. Her mother died in childbirth. The information is a secret, but Evie had a momentary slip-up earlier in the presence of Odessa. Odessa promises to keep the secret but asks if she can spend more time with Evie, to which Zavier agrees. He walks her to her tree house, where they say goodnight. Odessa kisses his cheek, which causes Zavier to stiffen. She apologizes for being too forward, but he tells her not to be, touches her cheek, and leaves.

When she enters her room, the Guardian is waiting on her bed. He asks her many questions—where her home is, how many men she’s been with, and if she’s spying for her father. When she answers no to the final question, she can tell that he doesn’t believe her.

Zavier and Odessa begin daily walks together. After five days, Evangeline joins them, though she is still shy around Odessa. The Guardian interrupts their walk one day to deliver serious information to Zavier in private.