After the meeting dissolved and the lieutenants dispersed to their various tasks, Ravenna remained in the command center. She stood at one of the maps, tracing routes with one long finger, her expression thoughtful.
“You’re planning something,” Fenris said. He’d noticed she always stayed behind when she had something to say that she didn’t want the others to hear.
“I’m always planning something, darling. You’ll have to be more specific.”
“Something you’re not telling me.”
Ravenna turned, her eyes now a swirling silver that reflected no light. “You’re more perceptive than you look.”
“Answer the question.”
She was quiet for a moment, weighing her words. Then: “The bond corruption isn’t the endgame. It’s phase one.”
Fenris went very still. “What?”
“Corrupting the bond will drive Doria
