Laughter was much better than the heartache Vex had glimpsed in Curnen's eyes as she left with Kash after her song. "So just remember, if you get to wondering if you belong here, scratch just a little way under the surface, and you'll find we're just a bunch of little shits.

"I'm not sure that's as encouraging as I meant it to be. But it's a good thing, I promise."