"You want me to go to the witches?" Adrian asked slowly, as if saying it aloud might make it sound less insane.
Elara's face remained calm. "Yes."
Adrian let out a disbelieving laugh. "Have you lost your mind?" He looked around to make sure no one was hearing them.
"No," Elara said. "But if you still want the throne, then perhaps you should stop pretending you can win it by playing fair."
The room fell silent. Adrian stared at her, and for the first time since she woke, he looked genuinely unsettled.
Elara continued. "There was a time when Lycans and witches lived side by side. Before the old blood wars. Before they were exiled. The moonseers are still rumored to this day to carry witch blood mixed with Lycan blood, but no one can prove it anymore. Not now that they're nearly extinct."
Her voice lowered. "When you get there, ask for the coven mother. Seraphine. Tell her Elara sent you."
Adrian stood frozen.
