Ryder caught Luna after breakfast the next morning.
"We need to talk. Privately."
Luna's guard went up immediately. After seeing him at Darius's meeting, every interaction felt suspect.
"I have class."
"You have me. I already cleared it with your professors. Come on."
He walked toward the forest trail. Luna hesitated. Going into the forest alone with someone she didn't trust seemed stupid.
But refusing would raise questions she couldn't answer. Not without admitting she'd been spying.
She followed.
They walked in silence until the academy buildings disappeared behind trees. Then Ryder stopped and turned to face her.
"Yesterday was a disaster."
Luna's face burned. "Thanks for the reminder."
"I'm not trying to embarrass you. I'm trying to help you. You lost control during a simple
