I look around the living room, like there might be an answer among the couch cushions, but the room is perfectly average for an upscale hotel and lacks any defining features. I’m reminded of the time Ash told me it was futile to try to figure out where the Academy was located, but even so, I couldn’t stop analyzing every inch of the grounds.

“So this is just a hotel, then, not something connected with Strategia?” I say, disappointed by the suite’s lack of distinguishing characteristics.

“Just an ordinary hotel room,” Ash repeats.

When I adjust my gaze back to him, he’s still smiling.

“What?” I ask, wondering if I have hair in my mouth or drool on my face. It definitely wouldn’t be the first time.

But instead of answering, he walks right up to me. His look gains intensity and my stomach does a quick flip. He touches a loose lock of my wavy hair and places my arms around his neck. He pulls me close.

“If you could see yourself the way I see you, you would know that you’re perfect,” he says with fresh minty breath, and it suddenly occurs to me that I haven’t engaged in any of my morning grooming regime.

He leans in closer, and just as he nears my mouth I turn, give him a fast kiss on the cheek, and step away. “No way I’m kissing you while you’re all freshly showered and”—I gesture at him—“dressed like that.”

He laughs. “You won’t kiss me because of my clothes? Is there an outfit you would prefer? Because I’ll gladly change.”

“You know what I mean,” I say, and I can’t help but smile, too. “You’re super dressed up and I haven’t even brushed my teeth. I’m jumping in the shower and then we need to catch a bus to—” I stop out of habit. At the Academy I trained myself to never reveal anything about my home life. “Pembrook,” I continue. “I’m assuming we’re in Hartford, given that Blackwood said she would send us to the airport I left from.” I walk to the window and pull back the curtain.

Below us I recognize the city streets and the telltale New England architecture, and all of a sudden I’m disoriented again. The cars below seem too fast, the buildings seem too shiny, and the open sky makes me feel exposed. “Definitely Hartford,” I say, not finding the comfort I thought I would in this familiar city. “If I remember correctly, the bus we need leaves just about every hour.”