"We split up," I said. The words tasted like ash. "Half the tracking team continues after Brennan. The other half returns to reinforce the academy."

"That leaves both groups undermanned," Caleb said. "If Gideon attacks either position—"

"Then we're in trouble either way." Darius studied the map, his jaw tight. "But Elara's right. We can't leave the academy completely vulnerable while we chase one spy into the mountains."

"I'll take the academy defense," Celeste offered. "You two track ...