There is that word again, retaliation. Truth is, I haven’t even thought about retaliating. “I just want to find my dad,” I say.

“Finding your father will not solve the problem,” Layla says as she refills her water glass. “The Lions will not stop hunting you both.”

I know she’s right, that I haven’t properly considered the big picture. “I can’t stop thinking about what Brendan said about my dad,” I say, looking at them both for reassurance. “Could Brendan actually know something about what’s going on with him?”

Ash’s lips subtly and momentarily tighten, which I recognize as one of the microexpressions Gupta taught us in deception class. Gupta said that when someone presses their lips together it’s often a sign that they’re holding back information or refraining from saying something.

“Like I said, communication to and from the Academy is monitored and often delayed,” Ash says. “Brendan was probably just toying with you.”

Layla remains silent, which tells me everything I need to know. Brendan might have been toying with me, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t also telling the truth.

The furniture in the common room of our suite, which once seemed lavish and formal, now feels familiar and cozy. I scan every detail, trying to catalogue them all in my mind—the couch where Ash kissed me, the breakfast table near the arched window where Layla coached me for hours on end, and the fireplace, which I often sat in front of contemplating whatever my current mess was. I thought I hated this school, but when faced with leaving it, I realize I’ve felt more alive here than I ever have.

Layla’s bedroom door opens and she joins me in the common room, glancing at the clock. “Almost time,” she says with a smile.

I wish I could smile back. “I hate that we’re leaving you.”

She brushes off my comment. “You’ll see me again soon.”

“I know, but…”

“You’ll be fine, November,” she says with such assurance that I almost believe her. “Watch out for each other, don’t let my brother do anything outrageous, and keep your eyes open. Danger always shows up when you least expect it.”

Her words remind me of our lesson in poisons class today and I find myself agreeing with her warning. It reminds me how often Layla called me naïve when I first arrived, how right she probably was, and how much I’ve changed since I was last in Pembrook. “I’ll keep an eye on him. I promise.”

Layla gives me a no-nonsense glare. “Now I’m going to give you something, but I swear if you get emotional I will take it right back.”

“Okay,” I say in a cautious tone.

She pulls something black and shiny out of her pocket and holds it before me.