Preparations filled the courtyard.
Weapons were checked. False patrol maps were rolled and sealed. Gina packed enough medicine for a battle, although she complained that no one listened when she told them not to get stabbed.
Lyra found Albert alone in the armory.
He held Laura's first letter over a flame.
"What are you doing?"
He pulled it back.
"Destroying the instructions."
"Or the evidence?"
His shoulders stiffened.
Lyra closed the door behind her.
"You said you would tell Kael everything."
"I did."
"No. You told us your mother was threatened. You did not tell us why Laura believed you would cooperate."
Albert stared at the fire.
"Your sister knew something."
He gave a humorless laugh. "Laura always knew where to cut."
"Then tell me."
For a moment, he remained silent.
"When Kael left Blackmoon to help you restore your wolf, the council pressured me to take his position. I refused."
"I know."
"I considered it first."
Lyra waited.
