Cassian's POV
Moonless Court - Strategic Chamber
The stone through the window was perfect.
I read the report again, savoring every detail. The shattered glass. The crude note. The fear in the mother's eyes as she clutched her child. My spies have done excellent work.
"Ariyah Vale is packing her belongings," I say aloud. "She's leaving the settlement."
Selene stands in the shadows behind me, as she always does. "The rumors worked, then."
"Of course they worked." I set the report down and turn to face her. "Fear is the oldest weapon in the world. It turns neighbors into enemies. It turns communities into mobs. And it drives the hunted into the wilderness, where they are most vulnerable."
"You sound pleased."
"I am pleased." I move to the window, staring out at the dark forest below.
