"Yes, I know," Aleya said softly. "The Calamity Witch, Tilly. I'm truly sorry, High Priestess." Phelin's expression grew more self-reproachful, "I had no idea such a powerful witch would be involved, and that she would so fully side with the Thorn family..."
Moreover, the fickle duke added to her troubles, that old vampire using death as a ploy, ensnaring everyone involved.
From some point, the plan began to spiral out of control. Now, the Thorn family had regained the trust of the Wigner royal emperor. Even if the secret pact were exposed, it would no longer stir any trouble.
And as she had said, the consequences of failure were hers to bear. Not only was the secret mission wiped out, but the spy network she had painstakingly built, including Bishop Lawrence, was reduced to ashes by that witch.
Phelin bowed her head in guilt, prepared to accept any punishment, even death.
