But . . . did it matter?

Did it matter if House Ravenwood fell?

Selene looked around at the familiar castle where her dreamscape had brought her. Under the cloudy sky, the purple banners of Ravenwood fluttered in an unseen wind. Down below, she could see the courtyard, gardens, and open alcoves of her home. Could she really destroy her own house and watch another rise in its place? Would a lesser house move into Rook Castle and claim the mountain nation?

And yet what had House Ravenwood done for their people? She was convinced now that yes, her predecessors had helped their people, but very little. Most of what they earned went back to the women of Ravenwood. And now Ravenwood was set on destroying every other house and people in a wave of hatred.

No, it didn’t matter if her house fell.

Selene looked up. “Amara, join me. House Ravenwood is not worth saving.”

Amara lowered her sword and laughed. “What failures we are for daughters. Mother would be so displeased.” Then her face grew sober. “I can’t.”

“Why not? I’m sure you know by now that our mother has aligned our house with the Dominia Empire. Why support the empire? Once you were loyal to Mother, but I can tell something has changed. Why give your allegiance to House Ravenwood?”

“Yes, something has changed. If I leave—if I never become the grand lady of Ravenwood—then Opheliana will be in danger. I need to fulfill this mission. I need to do all that Mother commands of me so that I become the heir of our house.” She lifted her face, and there was fire in her eyes. “I will do everything I can to keep Opheliana safe.”

Selene’s heart sped up. “Ophie is in danger?”

A cold rage settled across Amara’s features. “You left in such a hurry that you never discovered Opheliana’s secret.”

Her hands began to shake. “What secret?”

“She is not of House Ravenwood.”

Selene’s mind tried to keep up with Amara’s words. “What do you mean? I know she is mute, but that doesn’t mean—”

“I saw the mark on her ankle. She is of House Friere.”

All the air left her lungs in one swift whoosh. “House Friere?” she whispered.

Amara’s lips curled. “Yes. She is the illegitimate daughter of our mother and Lord Ivulf. I’m surprised Mother even let her live. If her true heritage was ever found out, she would be put out from Rook Castle. And I doubt Lord Ivulf would welcome our mute sister into his house with open arms. And even if he did, would you want House Friere raising Opheliana? Lord Ivulf is not known for his understanding or compassion. That’s why I need to stay.” She lifted her blade. “Why I need to become the head of our house. To protect our sister. A responsibility you discarded when you left.”

Selene flushed. “That’s not true! I left to help our family, to find out the real reason we were given the gift of dreamwalking!”