“Is that why you called for the Assembly of the Great Houses?” Selene asked.

“Partly. Also because we could no longer deny the threat that Commander Orion and the empire pose. I had hoped that the encroachment of the empire would have been a catalyst to unite the Great Houses, but I didn’t realize that hatred and greed ran so deep, or that House Ravenwood and House Friere had already aligned themselves with the empire.”

“Aren’t you afraid for your life?”

“Yes.” He looked back at the fire. “Although my position as a grand lord does give me a measure of safety. The others, however . . .” He tapped a finger against his knee. “There are some who have given their lives for the cause.”

Selene shivered, despite the warmth of the room. People who were accused of being a part of this group died. Her mother had a man thrown from the wall of Rook Castle last year. And House Friere burned three others.

Damien’s fingers stopped their tapping, and he seemed to be thinking. “On the surface is the treaty between the Great Houses. But underneath, real unity between the peoples will require everyone working together: grand lords and citizens alike. The general guides the army, but it is the soldiers who fight. That is why the coalition exists, and why it is made up of more than Caiaphas and myself. It is a treaty, in a sense, that crosses borders and includes all people from all the lands, not just lords and ladies from Great Houses. We have grown over the years. The coalition is large enough now that they could rise up in place of the Great Houses.”

“And do away with our gifts,” Selene said, her eyes flashing as she remembered her mother’s words.

Damien shook his head. “No. That has never been our goal. We want unity. We want to work with the Great Houses, if possible. There is a reason the Light gave seven families special gifts. Gifts to help all people, not only the family.”

Selene looked away. He’d voiced the doubt that had been lurking inside of her ever since her dreamwalking training had begun a year ago: that the women of Ravenwood, although claiming to help the mountain people, had really only been helping themselves.

“The Great Houses are only as strong as our people,” Damien stressed. “And we can help our people become even stronger by the gifts the Light has given us.”

There was a knock at the door, interrupting their conversation.

“Yes?” Damien said, glancing at the door.

The guard on duty looked in. “Steward Bertram wishes to speak to you, my lord.”

Damien stood. “Yes, I am expecting him. Tell him I will be with him shortly.” He turned toward Selene after the guard left. “I’m sorry to cut our time short. One more thing before I leave. Your father believed you and your gift could help unite the Great Houses and their people.” He moved around the desk and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m still coming to know you. But your father’s trust weighs in your favor. And I hope you know that the fact that I have shared about the coalition means that I trust you as well, even though your gift . . .”