In that one second, all the rage inside her fled at the look of innocence on her sister’s face.

Amara knelt down and gathered Opheliana into her arms. Her hair and clothing smelled like lilac. Like the purity of childhood. She pressed her face into the small crook of her sister’s neck. “No, Opheliana, I’m not angry with you. I could never be angry with you.” It was not her sister’s fault that she carried the mark of Friere on her body. And if Amara was honest with herself, she didn’t care. It didn’t change how she felt about Opheliana.

What hurt was knowing that if her mother’s indiscretion was found out, it would be Opheliana who would pay for it. Opheliana could never be an heir to House Ravenwood, not with that mark on her ankle. Would House Friere take Opheliana in if Lord Ivulf found it?

The thought made her sick. Amara had her own ambitions, but she was not stupid. She knew Lord Raoul was an unforgiving, cruel man. And Lord Ivulf was as cold as his power was scorching. That kind of influence would break her tender little sister. So would their mother’s.

Amara looked up and scowled, ignoring Maura. No, no one would find out. She would make sure of it. She would do as her mother wished. She would work hard, harder than any other Ravenwood woman had before her, and she would become heir to House Ravenwood and the grand lady of the mountain people. Then Opheliana could remain as she was, an innocent little girl, and live in Rook Castle forever.

Yes, she would protect her sister. At all costs.

13

Selene’s nightmares were different that night. Instead of visions of past dreamscapes, her dreams were her own. She clutched the coverlet to her chest as the sun rose outside her window, her body tense, her chest aching.

Over and over she heard Damien’s words inside her ears.

I never wanted to marry you. I only married you to save myself.

She knew it was only a nightmare. He’d never said that. But deep down, it was what she feared. That someday the truth would come out: he married her so she could never fulfill her mission. The nightmare had been so strong she was tempted to search her mind for a raven in the background, watching.

Selene sat up and growled. “Why does it matter?” She flung the covers away and stood. House Ravenwood never married for love. That had been drilled into her, along with the importance of house loyalty, ever since she was a little girl. In some ways, she was still fulfilling her duties. By marrying Damien, she had the opportunity to search out the truth behind Ravenwood’s gift, a truth that would hopefully free her family.

There was a knock on her door, then Essa walked in. “Good morning, my lady,” she said with a smile that looked like pure sunlight. She held a tray in her hands. On top was a mug of steaming liquid and a brown egg resting in an eggcup. She placed the tray on the table near the bed, then headed for the wardrobe. “The seamstress is almost finished with the gown you will be wearing for the announcement today,” she said as she pulled out a simple green dress with flowing sleeves. “The rest of your new attire will be ready in a couple of days.”