“It was lovely meeting you all,” I say to the table, and stand up on the other side of Brendan. I immediately start walking toward Ash and Layla, grateful that I got past him without a physical altercation.

“It’s a shame what’s going to happen to your father,” he says, and I stop dead in my tracks. “I would tell you, but I guess you’ll know soon enough.”

My heart jumps into my throat. I whip around. The look Brendan and I share is pure anger.

Before I take a step in his direction, Ines stands up and blocks my path. Her red braid hangs down her back and her eyes are determined.

“He wants you to attack him,” she says, and it’s literally the second time I’ve ever heard her speak. “And if you do, you won’t be leaving here anytime soon. He will win.” She watches me closely, as though she’s looking for a sign that I understand.

I take a breath and unclench my fists. And just like that Ines sits back down and returns to her meal like none of it ever happened.

“Thanks,” I say, but she doesn’t respond. Both Felix and Aarya stare at her, clearly as surprised that she spoke to me as I am.

I don’t waste any time; I walk to my usual spot and sit down across from Ash and Layla, my heart rate elevated. It takes a couple of long breaths before I can relax my rigid posture and lean back in my chair.

Ash smiles at me. “I can’t leave you alone for two minutes. Good thing I don’t intend to.”

Layla raises her eyebrows. “Are you flirting right now? That could have turned into a fight.”

“But it didn’t,” he says, as unfazed as usual. “November handled it beautifully. Sitting in Brendan’s chair was genius.”

Layla frowns. “I seriously don’t know what to think about you two. One’s more reckless than the other.” She pauses. “You’re going to be completely lost without me.”

Ash nudges her with his shoulder and grins at her in a way that gives me a clear window into what they must have been like as kids. “Is this you looking for an invite? Am I sensing a bit of, I don’t know, jealousy?”

Layla gives him a hard look. “Jealousy? Not even close. I’m just looking forward to the moment when I can read a book in peace without having to save one of you from your own stupidity.”

Ash laughs, but I don’t have a laugh in me. “He seemed so certain that I would fail,” I say, concern leaking into my voice. They both look at me.

Ash’s smile fades, but he doesn’t appear worried. “Retaliation against the Lions is no small feat. From Brendan’s perspective, it’s unthinkable.”