“For the love of God, would someone say something?” I finally explode. “Yes! I’m a Similar. Gravelle told me at the end of last year, but I didn’t believe him. Not until I’d tested…certain hypotheses.”

Still, no one’s talking.

“Didn’t my essay for The Daily Darkwood cover it? That’s why I wrote it. And to put Harlowe and everyone else who keeps leaving you those threats in their place. Plus, it’s going to make a pretty kick-ass college essay—”

Before I know what’s happening, Pippa has run around the table to hug me. Maude too. Ansel smiles, and only Jago looks a little nonplussed, like he’s not sure how this news affects him. Theodora grins at me across the table.

“We knew you were special, Emma,” she says.

“Or should we say ‘Eden’?” Maude cuts in.

“No,” I correct her. “Don’t call me that. Please. I’m still…” I lower my voice when several first years stop right in front of our table and stand there, trays in hand, obviously eavesdropping. “I’m still coming to terms with all this.” Levi gets up from the table, claiming to need a utensil. I try not to let my gaze follow him. The last thing I need is to think about how angry I am at him, still, for keeping this secret from me.

“Have you talked to your dad yet?” Maude asks, lowering her voice so the first years can’t hear. They reluctantly move on from our table.

“No. Also…” I look around the dining hall for Ollie. “Have any of you seen Ollie this morning?”

They shake their heads.

“Uh-oh,” Jago announces to the table. He’s looking down at his plum. “You have a rebuttal.”

We all check The Daily Darkwood, where my essay has more than a thousand comments. I had no idea that after I posted it last night, a debate started raging and has been going strong all morning. Meanwhile, Harlowe has posted a rebuttal essay titled “But She’s Also a Clone.” She means me.

I don’t read it. I stand up, grabbing my tray. I have to find Ollie. He’s had time to read this, to process it, and now I need to stop being a coward. I need to talk to him in person.

On my way out, I run smack into Levi, returning with his fork.

“Sorry,” I mutter as I try to step around him. He does the same, and we end up at a standstill.

“Your essay,” he says quietly. “I thought you didn’t want anyone to know.”

“Things change,” I say, my voice tight. I’m quoting what he said to me his first day back here. I don’t wait to gauge his reaction. I go, on a mission to find Ollie.