Lirael sighed, leaning back as she processed the information. "I see," she said after a long pause. "We'll have to tread carefully. The last thing we need is another enemy, but at the same time, we can't afford to trust anyone blindly."
Shona nodded in agreement, though her insides churned with guilt. She was already betraying Lirael by hiding the truth—that she was now a slave bound to Aiden's will, forced to act as his mole. Every word she spoke felt like another step down a path she could never return from.
But what choice did she have?
As Lirael stood and dismissed her, Shona couldn't help but steal one last glance at the princess. There was still a flicker of warmth in her eyes, a faint glimmer of the bond they had once shared. But that bond was fragile now, teetering on the edge of breaking completely.
And when it did, Shona feared there would be no saving either of them.
