“Lunaria, what am I going to do?” I whisper to the sleeping feline. She opens her eyes, then gives me a look that tells me I already know what to do. “You’re no help,” I hiss. She merely closes her eyes and hides her head under her enormous paws. An idea strikes me, and I pen a letter to Silene, asking for her to visit my chambers alone to discuss the strategy with my Council. I could easily aerstep down to her, but I’m nervous about seeing Thorne, so instead I will the paper to appear in her bedchamber where I know only she will find it. Less than twenty minutes later, there’s a knock on my door.

“Hi,” Silene huffs out the moment I open the door, and I can’t keep myself from grinning. “You wanted to see me?” She says the words tentative and excited, like she can’t believe I’d call on her now that Thorne’s my mate. I open the door wide and gesture her in. When we’re seated, me in my favorite chair and her on the sofa, she’s practically bouncing with excitement. Hiding my smile at her reaction, I explain why I asked her to come here.

“Thorne told me you guessed I had a mole on my Council.” She nods and gives me a sheepish grin. “I want to tell my Council about Nemesia and working with you three…” I trail off, realizing that other than Nemesia, she’s the only other person I’ve ever sought help from. Her amber eyes only stare back at me steadily. “I’m not sure if it’s the right decision. I think it’s time to go on the offensive with the rebels, but I don’t want to harm my people. What’s your advice?” Her eyes widen in surprise.

“Me? But—why me? Why not Thorne?” Even though she knows she’s the better strategist of them, she still doubts herself.

“You’re the smartest of all of us. Myself included. I’m lucky to have you as a friend and ally.” I say the words gently, hoping I can convey the truth of my sentiment. She blushes but then sits up straighter in her chair and pulls her shoulders back. She nods like she’s ready for battle. “What do you think about telling the Council? Is it the right move, politically speaking?” Her brows furrow in concentration.

“Do you really think Nemesia is the mole?” Her words are quiet, questioning, like she knows the way they’ll sting. Some part of me, deep down, wants to scream no, she couldn’t possibly have betrayed me. That same part of me that still doesn’t believe it’s true. But I must bury that voice.

“I don’t know how I could possibly believe otherwise. The evidence is too damning.” My words are short and clipped.