A hush falls over the bar. Is she serious? Stellan said he had help, but thewolves?What did he promise them? Or what did they promise him?
My hands shake under the table. This changes everything.
If Stellan works with the wolves, he’s not just a political opponent—he’s a traitor to our people. I glance at Leigh, atremor coursing through me, fueled by my rising unease. Why didn’t she tell me about this before?
I take a deep breath. We can fix this.
“Stellan, is this true?” I ask, my voice tight with anger. “Are you working with the wolves?”
Stellan’s eyes meet mine, a challenge in his gaze. “I think it’s time we had arealconversation, don’t you?”
“Yes,” I growl through my teeth. “I think it is. But let’s be clear. If you work with the wolves, you’re not betraying the Epsilon but all of us. The Nebula people included.”
“Yeah, Stellan,” Leigh snaps, “tell him how they promised you could be king of an enclave if you let them use Aurora as a home base for theirinvasionof Corona.”
I gape at Stellan, but he doesn’t so much as flinch. “I do not want to be king. I am not your uncle.” Leigh scoffs. “I stand by my promises. The New Aurora will be a democracy. Prince Zeus and Prince Alden gave me their word.”
I wait for him to continue, to tell me he’s joking, but he doesn’t. Is this a nightmare? He’s helping another country invade ours to achieve his own ends. He never planned to negotiate with Leigh; by the looks of it, she never intended to collaborate with him either. I suspected as much but held onto the hope that I could convince her. I thought . . .well, my thoughts are irrelevant now. Stellan lied, and Leigh will never forgive him.
“Did you think King Simon or his sons would let you rule unchecked?” Leigh sneers. “You’re trading me in for a new monarch who will never trust you.”
I stand, turning away from them. How did this go so sideways?
“All I want is a better world for the Nebula,” Stellan says calmly.
That’s all we all want, not just for the Nebula but everyone. How does inviting a war to our lands achieve that?
“I’ve reread your articles dozens of times,” Leigh says, “trying to unmask the person feeding you information, but I came up short. I even spoke to my uncle to ensure it wasn’t him.”
The pain in her voice hits me like a punch. She swore she’d never confront Don again. Why didn’t she tell me? Is this what she was doing in Borealis behind my back? Did she think I would disapprove? My energy depletes. Will she ever stop keeping secrets?
Stellan huffs a laugh. “My source tried to refuse me because they thought it would be too obvious. But it seems that is not the case.” Leigh scowls. He’s trying to get under her skin, and it’s working.
“Who is it? They deserve to go down with you!”
Stellan grins. “Why? It’s too late to get out of your marriage proposal—not that Alden wanted you anyway.”
The ground falls out from under me. Marriage proposal? What is Stellan talking about? And why does Leigh look like she’s been caught red-handed?
“What proposal?” I ask. Was she considering marrying Alden?
The thought sends a cold wave over me, but I force myself to take a deep breath. We’re here to negotiate peace and find a way forward for our people. Whatever is going on with Leigh and this marriage proposal can wait. We need to convince Stellan to call off the invasion before the wolves arrive.
“Stellan.” I keep my voice controlled. “When are the wolves set to arrive? Is there any way you can call them off? Tell them you no longer want to pursue the enclave. Tell them you and Leigh will fight if they don’t back off.”
Stellan’s eyes narrow. “I made promises I intend to keep.”
I shake my head. “And what about the Epsilon—the civilians caught in the crossfire? Are they just collateral damage in your grand plan?”
Stellan leans forward, his gaze intense. “The New Aurora will be a haven for all, where everyone can live in peace and prosperity. But sometimes, sacrifices must be made for the greater good. The Epsilon have a choice: follow us or be left behind. The wolves are on our side, Wilder. You have nothing to worry about unless you refuse to join me.”
A chill runs down my spine. Sacrifices, greater good—this rhetoric has been used to justify countless atrocities throughout history.
I glance at Leigh, hoping to find an ally in this fight. But she’s still reeling from Stellan’s earlier comment, her eyes distant and unfocused.
“Where is Zeus? Did you know he took my grandmother?” Leigh asks him.
Stellan smiles. “I understand you are worried about her safety, but so long as you agree to their terms, Queen Jorina will remain safe, I’m sure.”
