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“I’m sorry?” How did having several weeksto turn in my application mean that I was going to be some sort of failure? I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised though. I could do nothing right by them.

Raúl took his handkerchief and dabbed his lips before speaking. “Belinda is absolutely correct, Mara. The Council takes everything into consideration when they review your application.Everything. Your academic record might be in good standing, but you’ll need to do better than that.”

Great… Here we go again.

“Turning in your applicationearlyshows motivation, determination, energy! When Jacob filed his application, he turned it in five daysbeforethe first of the month. Nowthat’sthe way to do it.” Raúl’s passion was clear in how he emphasized his words, but his composure never faltered. Every salt and pepper hair stayed remarkably in its place, and his hands moved slowly, emphasizing the control he had over himself.

“Now, Raúl,” Belinda cooed, placing her hand on his, “that’s not fair, darling. You cannot compare the two of them.” She turned to look at me, her eyes cool and piercing. “Mara has always been…different. And with her mother’s blood running through her veins, surely you cannot expect her to achieve the same status as Jacob.”

The words stung, and I could feel myself squirm under her gaze. I wanted to turn away, but I held her stare, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of seeing me falter. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Jacob was uneasy too. He always hated when they compared us. And to my surprise, he spoke.

“Maybe Mara will surprise us all, Mother. After all, her grades arewaybetter than mine ever were, and her capacity to work with computers and tech is far superior than mine. She might not be anAdams, but she’s still ade la Puente. Surely that counts for something with the Council.”

My jaw slackened, eyes growing wide. Jacob always had my back, but it was the first time he’d been this bold about it. I blushed, snapping my mouth shut. I wasn’t used to hearing compliments. I didn’t dare speak, but I scanned Belinda and Raúl to see how they reacted. Belinda, for once, seemed lost for words. Jacob had pinned her in a corner. To tear me down further would also mean she was tearing down Raúl, and I don’t think he would take too kindly to that.

Raúl cleared his throat. “Yes, Jacob, you’re right. Sheisade la Puente, and I expect she won’t disappoint me.” He looked at me, his firm stare seizing hold of my attention. “Which brings me to another subject, Mara…” My heart quickened. “Is there something you would like to tell me?”

I swallowed hard as I caved into myself. “I-I don’t think so.”

Raúl’s eyes grew cold. “I received a report about rebel activity in District 1.”

Oh shit.If I thought my heart was racing before, it was thundering now. I spoke, trying to save my skin as best as I could. “Yeah, there was. And I told the officer he needed to report the vandalism to the REG immediately.”

“Is that so?”

I nodded, but I kept my mouth shut. I didn’t know how much he knew, and I had no intention of incriminating myself.

“And what of the boy?”

The blood drained from my face, leaving me lightheaded. I stole a glance at Jacob, who was now looking at me too, clearly confused and not sure what was happening. Gulping again, “I believe the officer punished him just as he deserved.” I looked back at my dad.

Raúl’s eyes felt like a thousand knives piercing me in every way. “I heard that you and another individual interfered with an active enforcement operation.”

Damn it!“We weren’t trying too, and it was hardly an oper—”

“Silence!”

I snapped my mouth closed and averted my gaze to my hands in my lap.

“Neverdo that again, Mara.”

I nodded quickly. “Yes, sir.”

“Who was the other individual?”

I closed my eyes, feeling the sweat beading up on my forehead. “The child was from District 3.” It was a stupid move, and I knew it. But playing dumb was the only card I had.

Raúl slammed his fist on the table, causing me to jump as he raised his voice. “Don’t toy with me, Mara.”

I took a deep breath. “He’s just a friend. But it wasn’t his fault.”

“Name?”

My stomach twisted. “He only stepped in because the officer was going to hit me.”

“Name?” The acidity in his tone was growing. His patience was wearing thin, but I didn’t want to give him Chase’s name. I didn’t know what would come of it.

“He’s no one.”Oh god, please just drop it. Please…