“There is a new girl at school. She’s supposedly from Chicago, but her last school has no record of her attendance.”

“You said she was kicked out of her last school,” I argue, recalling the accusation she’d made at lunch in front of all those students.

“Because that’s what her record says, but she apparently never even started. And before you suggest it, my father called.” Somehow, those words seem even more final by the set of her arms, crossed, one over the other.

“You think this girl has something to do with Vera’s disappearance?”

“Within her first day at Nacoma, a soul goes missing. That cannot be coincidence.”

“Perhaps not coincidence, but you have no evidence,” I remind her—also knowing Elite Cain will agree. “If your father thought this was an issue, he would’ve said something to the Order. But he doesn’t have evidence either.”

“I’d have to observe her longer than two days to be sure, but I think I can find the evidence,” Natalie says, not taking her eyes off Elite Cain. I know what’s she’s doing—asking for permission.

“See that you do,” Elite Cain says. “Why don’t you both work on this assignment together? I’ll count it as part of your training.”

I’m sort of relieved. If Elite Cain thought Anora might be an issue, he’d send his commanders to deal with her. Still, I’d prefer not having Natalie by my side while I watch her.

“With respect, Elite Cain, I work better alone,” I say.

“With respect, Knight-in-Training, you’re lucky I’m not putting you on probation for your actions.”

A part of me wonders if my dad had something to do with that, but I can’t believe he’d go to bat for me with Cain. The Order always comes first.

Elite Cain turns his disfavor to Natalie. “You might think it noble to protect a friend, but you are a shadow knight-in-training first and foremost. You are obligated to report misbehavior.”

“Yes, Elite Cain,” we say in unison.

“Now that we are understood, were either of you aware of Lily Martin’s relationship?”

It’s the question I’ve been waiting for, and it makes my stomach turn, but this is why Lily and I have our rule: We can’t get in trouble for what we don’t know.

“No, Elite Cain,” we say.

He watches us intently, like he thinks we might crack under pressure. After what seems like an eternity, he says, “You are both dismissed.”

We salute and turn to leave the room when Elite Cain calls out to me.

“Knight-in-Training Savior, report to the infirmary.”

I nod and leave, not waiting for Natalie as I stride down the obsidian halls.

“Shy!” Natalie’s feet slap against the marble floor as she hurries after me.