“I don’t?—”
“Oestera!”
She moved quickly, the panic in Selenia’s voice frightening her. She was at the front of the house, her icy glare wild, frantic.
“You have to come home, you have to change her mind!”
Oestera shook her head. “What? Mother, what are you talking about?”
“Your sister!” she cried. “Her little rebellion has found its way to the ears of the gods. The Court Above will destroy her, Oestera. How could you let her be so reckless?”
“How did they?—”
“Does it matter?’ Selenia roared, a genuine fear in her. “She has to stop this.”
Nayson tucked Lunelle’s face against his chest, her eyes wide with terror.
“Go,” he said. “You should go.”
She kissed them both quickly and followed Selenia into the Rift.
When she landed in the Lunar Court, the air was charged with an acid she could taste, but not name.
A storm was going to break.
Selenia brought her to the Celestial Hall where Leona held court, her eyes sunken. The pain of being away from Solan never left her, never dulled. Her emerald eyes sparkled just a bit when they found her sister’s face.
“Out,” she commanded everyone in the room.
The room emptied around Oestera, her nerves tangling into orange ribbons.
“This has to stop, Leona.”
Whatever light had returned at the sight of her sister extinguished at the words of their mother.
“The Court Above has been informed of your rebellion. I’ve convinced them to look the other way and forgive you, but only if you sever the tie with Solan.”
Oestera gasped, “She cannot!”
Selenia pulled a dagger from her robes, a smoky blade that made Oestera’s insides curl.
“If Solan uses a shadow blade, it can be done. If you sever the tie, the gods will not exterminate everyone who assembled in this very court last week. But if you won’t…”
Her choice was clear.
“Leona.” Oestera’s fingers twisted around one another.
“Perhaps it would be better,” Leona said, her eyes darkening. “To be free from this.”
“You must go. Now,” Selenia barked.
“I’ll go with you,” Oestera offered, extending her hand. They walked together to the garden, a heavy maroon settling between them.
Leona paused on the platform, cradling her sister’s face in her hands. “If something goes wrong?—”
“Leona,” Oestera glared.
“Just make sure he’s safe, Os.”
