"Elara…"
The maid, her maid, the one who had dressed her for her wedding, who had sworn loyalty and then had left saying her parents had arranged a marriage for her, lifted her head.
Alaric's tone was flat. "We caught her at a Moon Shadow drop point. Carrying orders."
Daphne turned to him, her chest heaving. "No. No, not Elara. She wouldn't...she…"
But when she looked back at her former maid, she saw the truth in Elara's smirk.
"Yes," Elara whispered, leaning forward as far as the ropes allowed.
Her eyes glittered, cruel. "I serve the Moon Shadows. And while you were busy playing Regent's darling, I was in the shadows pulling strings."
Daphne's heart splintered. Memories of whispered comforts, shared secrets, soft laughter...all turned to ash.
Alaric's grip on her waist tightened. "Speak. Every detail. Every order. Or I will end you here."
Elara only laughed. "Oh, Regent… you'll end me either way. But wouldn't it burn her more to know the truth?"
