Aarya picks at the bark with her fingernails like she doesn’t have a care in the world. “Did you really call me up here to tell me things I already know? I’ve concocted a few colorful reasons for this meeting in my head, and if the truth proves less interesting than those, I’ll just need to find another way to amuse myself.” She turns to look at me like a cat that just saw a mouse, and I force myself to lean back against the trunk in the most relaxed pose I can manage.

“Ines is one of the best students at the Academy,” I say. “I know you know that. Which puts her directly at risk. Layla believes someone here is trying to prevent the Lions from killing students. I want to know who it is.”

Aarya tilts her head, and I know I’ve finally got her attention.

“But Layla’s in the dungeon right now because Blackwood thinks she killed that guard—”

Aarya scoffs. “Yeah, right, that’s clearly the reason she’s locked up.”

I stare at her, confused. “Do you know something about Layla being in the dungeon that I don’t?”

Aarya looks at me like I’m an idiot. “Everyone knows Layla didn’t kill that guard.”

I frown. “Then why would Blackwood put her in the dungeon?”

Aarya rolls her eyes at me.

“So you don’t know,” I say, and shrug. “You’re just trying to pretend you have information that I don’t.”

Annoyance flashes in her eyes and I can tell that she hates that I just doubted her. Then all of a sudden her expression calms. “You should really ask your boyfriend why she’s in there. Or do you guys not talk about the deals he makes with the headmaster?”

My stomach twists, and something must show in my expression because she looks far too amused.

“It seems someone’s about to have a fight. I should have brought popcorn.” She laughs. “Do you need a minute? Are you going to cry about it?”

My fists clench. I can’t let her get under my skin like this. “You want to talk about screwed-up friendships?” I ask. “What about Felix?”

Her eyes widen ever so slightly. “What about Felix?” she says, and gets to her feet in one sudden movement.

I focus on maintaining my composure. “Just that it must be difficult being friends with him when he’s clearly aligned with the Lions, who probably have Ines on their target list?”

I know I’ve hit a nerve when I see her nostrils flare, and I instinctively look for Ash.

“You think Ash can get to you before I can punch you in the windpipe?” she hisses, and I hate that she’s able to read me so well. “Because I seriously doubt it.”