I laugh, a lifeless chuff. “Absolutely not. Until I know more about what this means, the only person I’m telling is Admon. You and Thorne will have to continue your charade. He and I will… Well, we’ll keep everything a secret.” She stares at me, and I know she can see through my words and flippancy, but she doesn’t press it, only nods and moves on with planning.

“We should plan an attack on the rebels and strategically leak information to different parts of the Council. Then, Fionn and I can use our in with the rebels to see if any of that information has made its way to them. That could help us narrow down who might be involved, and whether they’re working with Nemesia. Even if all that happens is the rebels distance themselves from Fionn and me, it might signal that someone has tipped them off that we’ve been working together, and we’ll know there’s at least a second mole.”

I nod, surprised by the relief I feel to have another person guiding me. Silene is so intelligent, and I should’ve consulted her sooner. “And what about—” I start, afraid to even say this aloud for how weak it will make me sound. “What about hurting innocent civilians? I don’t want to become even more of a monster in their eyes.” The words are soft, tentative. Her amber eyes glow with understanding of everything I can’t say aloud, of the fears and insecurities that I truly am the Witch Queen they whisper about.

“Laurel, there are always casualties in war. And make no mistake, this is a war. The rebellion has attacked you directly, has committed acts of domestic terrorism so severe they deserve to be punished. But I promise you, we’ll limit the worst of it.” She smiles at me and then jumps up from the couch and wraps me in a tight hug. It takes me by surprise, but this time my arms instinctively wrap around her with no hesitation.

“Thank you,” I murmur, and there’s so much meaning in those two words. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for filling the hole Nemesia left. Thank you for understanding me.

She squeezes me. “Good luck with the Council. You’ll do great, I know. Let me know how it goes.” With that, she turns and practically skips out the front door.

When the time for the Council meeting arrives, I take a deep breath, then walk down the hallway to their meeting chambers. Every advisor is here today, answering my last-minute summons. They all bow, and once I’m seated the rest of the room follows, chairs scraping against the floor.