If the House Ravens chose to join, then Sigmund and Zephrin could still form a three-party alliance. With numbers and strength combined, they would have a real chance of suppressing the academy and Heaven's Gate Spirit warriors.
But if the House Ravens refused, only House Storm and House Night would remain. Two against two, with uncertain loyalty on the sidelines, victory would no longer be assured.
What made the situation even more delicate was Elowen's earlier withdrawal.
She had stated clearly that the House Crescent would not become enemies of Prince Kael, but neutrality did not mean harmlessness. If both sides fought until they were wounded and exhausted, who could say the House Crescent would not step in afterward and reap the spoils like a fisherman casting his net?
For a moment, the air itself felt heavy with calculation. Every Spirit warrior present weighed gains and losses in silence.
Fiona stood in the center of those unspoken expectations, her heart in turmoil.
