My eyes widen. “A lock of your hair?” I say, and my voice falters. We’ve been through some harrowing experiences together over these past few weeks and it’s fair to say that we’ve bonded, but it’s also always been clear that I’ve liked her more than she’s liked me.

She holds up the braided lock, which is tied with a piece of thread. “In the Wolf Family we give a lock of hair to someone going on an important journey. It’s a show of faith, to tell you that I’m there with you in spirit and to wish you luck-filled travels and a quick trip home.” She sighs. “So I expect that you’ll bring this back when you both return safely.”

I nod at her, at a loss for words.

“Are you crying?” she says, and points a slender finger at me. “You better not be crying.”

“Not crying,” I say, but my voice cracks.

“Here, turn around,” she says, and I do. She tucks the lock of her hair up into my French braid near my scalp. “So they don’t take it away from you before you leave.”

I turn back to her and wrap my arms around her neck. For a long second she just stands there. Then slowly the tension drops from her shoulders and she hugs me back.

There’s a knock on the door and Layla steps away before I get a chance to tell her how much her friendship has meant to me. How I wouldn’t have survived without her. And how selfless she’s been about her brother, her twin, coming with me.

Layla opens the door and standing on the other side are two of Blackwood’s guards with their signature leather armbands and belts. I open my mouth, but Layla shakes her head as though to tell me nothing more can be said.

“Good night, November,” she says, and her words are heavy.

“See you soon, Layla,” I reply.

And just like that I walk away, knowing all too well that this might be the last time I ever see her.

Chapter Six

I OPEN THE door to Blackwood’s cozy office and Ash is already there, sitting in one of the armchairs in front of her desk. The fireplace fills the room with the familiar scent of burning wood and there is an abundance of candles in sconces on the walls and in silver candleholders on her desk.

Blackwood gestures for me to sit down and I do, remembering the first day I met her. It was before I knew I was Strategia and way before I had any idea about the deal my dad had made—promising Blackwood I would expose Conner for the killer he was in exchange for my admittance to the Academy.

The guards close the door but remain inside.