“Of course they aren’t,” she says matter-of-factly, “but it’s an opportunity for us all the same.” I look at her, confusion on my face. “I’m obviously going with you, as is Fionn. You’d be freaking out more if we weren’t. And this can be a strategic advantage for us if we play it correctly.” I give her a wide grin. Silene’s always been the political strategist among us, and now is no different. “You know my opinions on the Witch Queen’s power,” she continues. “I think she has an affinity for every possible conduit, maybe even ones we don’t know about. She’s not a blood mage, she’s just incredibly powerful.” Fionn and I roll our eyes at Silene’s unbelievable theory. She holds up her hands, acquiescing. “But if she really does use blood magic, this is a chance for us to learn more about it and determine if your suspicions about your father are true.” I quickly look around, nervous that we’ll be overheard, even knowing that no one ventures into this abandoned and musty basement except the three of us.

“She has a point,” Fionn adds. “The Witch Queen could help us confirm whether your father also uses… blood magic.” He whispers the last two words, as if even uttering them will suddenly unleash untold evil into the world.

“Are you sure you want to come with me? It won’t be easy getting close to Queen Laurel. It might even be impossible. And it will be incredibly dangerous, guaranteed. Even if we do get close, there’s still my father to deal with. I don’t want to wrap you up in whatever scheme he’s planning,” I say.

Silene rolls her eyes. “We’re already wrapped up in your father’s schemes.”

“She’s right,” Fionn adds. “I’ve been helping you undermine your father for centuries.”

“No offense,” Silene says flippantly, “but everything we’ve been doing here in Velmara barely moves the needle. I know we’ve worked hard to build our network, but stealing a shipment of thayar here and there, poisoning a noble or two so they can’t vote on initiatives, stealing books from the archives… they’re all small actions. It’s going to take us hundreds of years to make any kind of impact using these tactics. This is a real opportunity.”

I consider her words, accepting their decision and feeling grateful for their friendship. “There’s more,” I say. They look at me expectantly. “My father has agreed to pay her a thirty percent higher price for thayar imports. In exchange, Thayaria will buy its grain exclusively from Velmara. It could just be part of the negotiation, but…” I trail off.