Ayla’s POV
The note slipped under my door at ten PM, written in handwriting I recognized immediately:
Rooftop of the old gymnasium. Midnight. Come alone. Wear clothes you can move in. —A
My heart hammered against my ribs. This was insane, professor Arkon was suspended. We were supposed to stay away from each other because the council was watching.
But he was offering to help and train me.
And God help me, I couldn't say no.
I told Sienna I needed to sleep early, that I'd deal with Kira tomorrow. She looked suspicious but didn't push. My guards did their routine check at eleven, then settled outside my door for the night.
At eleven-thirty, I changed into leggings and a sports bra, throwing a dark hoodie over top. Then I did something I had been practicing for days, I opened my window
