Chapter 39

Lila’s POV

“The best chance at survival?” I whispered to myself, ears still ringing from the sub shop’s outdated jukebox. What the actual—?

“No, Ry didn’t tell me that.” I shoved to my feet so fast I almost knocked over the salt shaker. “I think it’s time for me to skedaddle. Thanks for the… strangely delicious sandwiches and, uh, the life-lessons.” I snagged the note off the table like a cat grabbing your last French fry.

“Wait.” Asher yanked it back, scribbled a few extra lines, then thrust it into my hand again. “There you go. Now you can hang it on Rowan’s fridge like the participation trophy it is.”

I snorted, the paper crumpling in my sweaty palm. “Worst trophy ever. Unless it comes with glitter.”

“Give it a few months, sweet pea,” Asher winked. “You’ll see trophies way worse than suspicious sandwich critiques.”

I almost asked what he meant—curiosity is basically my middle name—but then Rowan’s fluffed-up fur brushed against my leg, l