“Why was the empire interested in House Ravenwood? What made the empire take the bait and go after the mountain house?”
    “Because of Ravenwood’s gift,” Lord Renlar said calmly, but Selene sensed a storm brewing under his calm veneer.
    “Their gift?” Lord Leo looked at Selene. “What threat is there in someone who can walk in dreams?”
    She almost laughed. Those present knew the dreamwalking gift existed, but she had yet to reveal what the purpose had been.
    Lord Renlar answered for her. “The empire understood Ravenwood’s ability more than our own houses did. Even I don’t fully understand what dreamwalkers are capable of. But what I read said that those of Ravenwood have the power to enter the hearts, minds, and memories of not just one person, but many people, and influence them or inspire them.”
    Lord Leo looked at her. “The dreamwalking gift can work with more than person?”
    Selene lifted her chin. “Yes.”
    “Then why is this coming to our attention now?”
    Her nostrils flared. “As I shared yesterday, my ancestors kept our gift a secret, fearing that what happened during the first razing would happen again.” Even though it seemed even Rabanna didn’t realize the full extent of the treachery wrought against her house, she had been right to fear.
    Lord Leo crossed his arms. “It seems to me that your gift—although you can influence people—is still not as powerful as the others’.”
    Selene stared at Lord Leo, her anger giving her courage. “Have you ever noticed when waking up from a dream how powerful your emotions are? If you dreamed about the death of a loved one, you cry. If you dreamed about something happy, you feel full and satisfied. Dreams tear down walls and open your heart up to your feelings. Dreams are when you are most vulnerable. Because of that, my family has been able to use dreams to find your most private secrets—and even take your lives.”
    His eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”
   The rest of the houses were silent as they turned their attention to her. Damien’s stare became more intense, whether to warn her about what she was about to share or something more. She didn’t care either way. She was sick of the lies, the misunderstandings, and there was a recklessness inside of her now that wanted to prove her house was just as valid as theirs.
    “When I walk in your dreams, your mind is open to me. I see your memories, your secrets, your fears. I have the power to manipulate those, to either bring peace and light to your soul or to snuff out your existence.”
    “Wait, what are you saying?” Lady Bryren asked. “Yesterday when you said you were sent to kill Lord Damien, I took that to mean with your swords. Are you saying you were going to kill him with your gift?”
    Selene swallowed. “Yes.”