I don’t even know where to begin to answer that. There is no way I’m choosing Aarya over Ash, but it’s true that Aarya’s shown up for me in crucial ways recently—I’m not ready to dismiss her flat-out. I look at Ines for clues, but she just sits quietly in the other armchair, eating.

Ash seems unaffected by Aarya’s blustering. “The better question, Aarya, is why are you here?”

“To cut Jag’s throat,” Aarya says, like it’s the most logical thing in the world. “So don’t go getting all weepy and sentimental like I’m here for you two out of the kindness of my heart. No one has dared go after Jag like this, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to miss it.”

“No one thought for the merest of seconds that you were here out of the kindness of your heart,” Ash says, and they continue staring at each other.

My pulse races at Aarya’s suggestion. I’ve been so focused on the idea of finding my dad and staying hidden that I haven’t fully considered what we’re doing in terms of killing people.

“Four Academy students taking on the head of the most powerful and ruthless Family,” Aarya says with new enthusiasm. “Can you imagine if we actually pull this off? They’ll write ballads about us.”

Ash frowns, like he believes her answer but he also believes there is more to it than she’s saying.

“Now, about that tip?” Aarya says, and looks at me.

I don’t answer right away.

“Unless you think you don’t need another two sets of hands?” Aarya presses. “That you and Ash are just so stealthy and skilled that you have this whole thing handled with no need of anyone else.”

I groan. She knows we’re badly in need of help. And even though Ash doesn’t trust Aarya, it has to say something for her that she left the Academy to come here.

“Masquerade ball,” I say in a low voice.

“Masquerade ball?” Aarya repeats, considering the idea.

“I mentioned it in the pub,” I say, cringing as I remember Hawk’s reaction. “In conversation with the crew. And the response was strong. Hawk said if he saw us there he would hand us straight over to Jag.”

Aarya whistles. “Great, so not only do we have seventy-two hours or less to prepare for whatever this thing is, but it’s being hosted by Jag and you two idiots essentially told a crew who were working it that you plan to crash it?”

To my complete surprise, Ash smiles. “Not sure you should join us if you’re afraid of a challenge, Aarya.”

She raises an eyebrow. “If that’s your way of saying sorry for screwing up—and I mean you—I don’t accept.”