Cestra rattles off her proposals without looking at any notes. “Briana’s status as the Crown Scion has, up until this point, been deemed need-to-know information. I propose that we maintain it as such. With the Davises still at large, Camlann will appear to be two Scions away to ninety-eight percent of our constituents.”

Aldrich nods. “And how do you plan to maintain Briana’s status a secret?”

“My first proposal is that we divide and distract the Legendborn of her chapter. Let’s send a bonded Scion and Squire pair from the Southern Chapter to join the hunt for Nicholas. Perhaps the Scion and Squire of Tristan, Morgan and Griffiths. We’ll tell the other three, Taylor, Caldwell, and Hood, that the best way they can support the search party is to remain on campus continuing to fight Shadowborn crossings. It will take all three of them working around the clock to keep these Gates closed, even if we leave them with a guard or two.”

“And what about Scion Sitterson?” Serren asks. “How will he be managed?”

“William Sitterson won’t be a problem,” Erebus replies. “As long as Briana is held here at the Institute, he will remain on-site and compliant, even without the serum to control his abilities. It goes against his nature—and that of any Scion of Gawain’s—to leave her behind and uncared for.”

“Exactly.” Cestra agrees. “The most effective way to control someone is to understand their motivations. Which is why my second proposal is that we use this chapter’s dedication to the mission and loyalty to one another to our advantage. We will inform all of the Legendborn who witnessed Arthur’s Call to Briana that she has chosen to go into hiding to protect the Spell for the good of the Order. And in doing so, she has agreed to leave the Regency in place as the Order finds its new way forward. If there are questions, we can reiterate the importance of her safety and emphasize her own concern about the well-being of her friends.”

“I’d never give up like that.” I shake my head. “The others won’t believe you.”

“Won’t they?” Cestra says. “Do you truly think they feel safe with you as their leader? On the worst night of their lives, when their friends were murdered right in front of them, you revealed yourself as a liar who infiltrated their chapter. You are at the center of their trauma.”

Disgust and shame mingle in my chest. “My friends saw me kill the goruchel and the other demons. I fought for them, with them….”

“You killed a goruchel when you were out of your own mind. Possessed, as you say. You are dangerous, Briana… and we have proof of that.”