The parchment quivered. A quill appeared in her grip, though she hadn't reached for it.

Her hands trembled as though not entirely her own. Names crowded her mind: Baron. Riven. Kaidan. Azpen. Even her mother's voice ghosted in her ears.

But deeper, a truth throbbed-she had always been the most dangerous secret in the academy.

"Betray Lucian. Betray Lucian Speare. He is the enemy. The son of Haspan Cosmoses. They are enemies!"

Her chest heaved. Her jaw clenched. The quill pressed down.

"No! ...