"We need to inform Orion and the Starweaver twins," someone suggested, voice carrying the desperation of drowning people grasping for anything that might float.
"They already know," Lady Daphina responded with bitterness. "And they're probably as worried as we are."
Because the Starweavers had more to lose than anyone. Had been negotiating carefully, maintaining leverage, keeping Luna desperate enough to accept their terms but not so desperate she'd do something drastic.
That delicate balance could shatter if Ren involved himself. If he offered Luna alternatives they hadn't anticipated.
Selphira watched from her position, her eyes shining with satisfaction.
She reveled in the opportunists' expressions when some left moments later, their faces pale and tense with concern.
She'd seen this coming. Had watched the pieces fall into place with the satisfaction of someone whose student had just demonstrated he'd learned lessons she'd thought would take years to internalize.
