“November, there’s something I need to tell you,” he says slowly when he finally does speak. “I just…I need you to know first that I have a plan. That I’m going to fix this.”

“What do you need to tell me? And what are you going to fix?” My words come out too fast.

“I’ll tell you everything, but please hear me out before—”

I know Ash wants me to listen, but his expression is so serious that my mind is frantically trying to sort out what’s going on and I just start talking again. “Tell me this: Did you know Conner has been helping the Lions kill students?” Until the sentence was out of my mouth, I wasn’t even sure I believed it could be true. But someone on the staff has been helping the Lions. And after what Aarya told me about Conner’s secret weapon stash, and from my various encounters with him, it’s the only thing that makes sense.

“Let’s go back inside,” Ash says, attempting to keep his voice measured, but I can see the distress in his eyes. “I can’t explain this quickly.”

I pull back from him. “Oh my god. You did know about Conner. And you said nothing?” My pulse quickens. “Next you’re going to tell me you’ve been helping him.” I give a nervous huff because obviously that’s out of the question, but Ash just fixes me with a solemn expression.

“This is not…” Ash rubs a hand over his face.

“You’re not denying it. Ash, why aren’t you denying it?” There’s panic in my voice.

“If you’ll slow down and come with me, I’ll tell you everything you want to know.” His tone is apologetic.

“There isn’t a chance in hell I’m going anywhere with you until you answer me. Were you helping Conner?”

He exhales and there’s pain in his eyes. “Again, it’s not that simple.”

My heart pounds so hard that it hurts, and all of a sudden it feels like there’s no air to breathe. I grab a branch to steady myself. Everything I thought about Ash, everything I felt—it’s all based on a lie.