Ash's POV
I really can't tell them about The Coil. Or about the Circle's secret.
It isn't my story to tell.
Ugh.
"You guys shouldn't worry too much," I said, forcing a laugh. "It's nothing serious. They just wanted some information about Dominic's family, that's all."
June's eyes went wide. "Are you sure?"
I hated lying to her. She always looked straight through me, like she could see the truth just sitting there behind my face.
But telling them about The Coil meant telling them about everything… Dominic, the Circle, what happened last summer. And that secret was too dangerous to risk.
Every lie added this weight. If I told them the truth, I'd drag them under with me.
So, I did what I do best. I dodged.
"So, Marcus," I said quickly, "how's your new school?"
June narrowed her eyes. "He's doing that thing again."
"What thing?" I asked, trying not to look guilty.
"The thing where he changes the topic," she muttered.
