The details were too dangerous for anyone outside Northvale's core circle to know. I will give you a promise, Lianna, a hard promise, that I will never use it for offense, only for defense."
Lianna remained silent for a long time, turning her back to the dim afternoon light. When she finally spoke, her voice felt distant.
"You'll make him a promise, Cassian. You haven't made one to me."
She was no longer looking at me. She just stood there, a clear silhouette, separate from me.
"I agree with the promise," she continued, ending the conversation. "But if you have to use it someday, I hope you realize that promise won't protect you from the destruction that will arise between us."
She didn't press for details. And I, burdened by the secrecy I had to maintain from the Grand Madam, couldn'
