Chapter 8: Ravenna's offer

{"Most are now gone, dismissed, married off to distant connections, or simply disappeared."}

A shiver went down Lysandra's spine. "Is that a threat?"

"An observation," Ravenna corrected. "And perhaps a warning. Whatever hold you have on Theron, it won't last forever. Men like him eventually tire of their fixations, particularly when those fixations threaten their ambitions."

"And if their ambitions align with continuing that... fixation?" Lysandra ventured.

Ravenna studied her with renewed interest. "You refer to the arrangement with Lord Cassian? Yes, I overheard. Cleverly done, I must admit. But Theron is not the only player in this game, Lysandra."

She closed the box with a definitive click. "Lord Cassian has his own weaknesses, as do all men of power. You may find yourself traded from one form of precarious influence to another."

"Unless?" Lysandra prompted, sensing the implied offer.

"Unless you have allies who understand the true nature of power in our world." Ravenna returned the box to its drawer. "Men view power as something to display, to wield openly. They rarely understand that true power often works best from the shadows, through whispers and careful manipulation."

"And you're offering to be such an ally?" Lysandra couldn't keep the skepticism from her voice.

"I'm suggesting that we may have interests that temporarily align." Ravenna resumed her seat. "You have demonstrated unexpected... talents. I have years of experience navigating the politics of both this household and the broader society."

Lysandra considered the implications carefully. Was this a genuine offer of alliance, or a more sophisticated trap? Ravenna's motivations remained unclear, was she seeking to control Lysandra's influence over Theron, or did she have other plans?

"And what would this alignment of interests involve, exactly?" she asked.

"Information, primarily. You have unique access to Theron's thoughts and business affairs. I have connections and knowledge that could help you navigate beyond this household, should your ambitions extend that far." Ravenna traced the rim of her wine glass with one elegant finger. "We needn't be adversaries, Lysandra."

"Yet you've been watching me. Having me followed." Lysandra's statement was a calculated risk, based on the observations she'd made over recent days.

"Of course I have," Ravenna replied without hesitation. "You represent an unknown variable in a carefully balanced equation. I needed to understand what I was dealing with."

"And now you believe you do?"

"I know that you've acquired an unusual degree of influence over my husband in a remarkably short time. I know that this influence extends beyond mere physical attraction. And I suspect," Ravenna leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping, "that there's something... extraordinary about the nature of that influence."

Lysandra felt a flutter of panic. How much did Ravenna truly know? Had she somehow discovered the nature of Velmira's gift?

"I'm not sure what you're suggesting," she said carefully.

"No?" Ravenna's smile was enigmatic. "Then perhaps another observation. The last time you joined Theron's business gathering, you touched Lord Gareth Voss on the wrist while serving refreshments. A casual gesture, barely noticeable. Yet afterward, his manner toward you changed dramatically, he became deferential, receptive to your subtle suggestions. Interestingly, you didn't touch his brother Aldric at all, and he remained entirely unaffected."

The precision of Ravenna's observation sent a chill through Lysandra. She had badly underestimated the woman's attentiveness and analytical mind.

"Coincidence," Lysandra managed, though the denial sounded weak even to her own ears.

"I don't believe in coincidences," Ravenna replied. "Particularly not when I've observed similar patterns multiple times."

She rose again, moving to a bookshelf where she trailed her fingers along the spines. "There are old stories, Lysandra. Tales of women blessed, or cursed, with remarkable gifts. Most dismiss them as mere legends, but I've always found that legends often contain kernels of truth."

Her hand stopped on a particular volume, which she pulled from the shelf. It was bound in faded leather, its cover embossed with what appeared to be a crescent moon enclosed within a circle. "Have you ever heard of the Daughters of Velmira?"

The name of the goddess sent Lysandra's heart reeling, but she fought to keep her expression neutral. "Vaguely. Children's tales, I thought."

"Far more than that." Ravenna returned to her desk, placing the book between them. "The Temple of Velmira was once powerful, before the Great Purification two centuries ago. The goddess was said to grant special gifts to women who proved worthy, or desperate."

She opened the book, revealing illuminated pages of ancient text and illustrations. One depicted a woman with outstretched hands, surrounded by men in postures of adoration or supplication.

"The most remarkable gift was said to be the power of influence, the ability to bind men to one's will through physical intimacy. Different men would respond differently, according to their natures, but none could entirely resist the Daughter's power." Ravenna watched Lysandra's face carefully as she spoke. "It sounds rather fantastical, doesn't it?"

Lysandra forced a dismissive smile. "Indeed. The kind of power women invent in stories because they lack it in reality."

"Perhaps," Ravenna conceded, closing the book. "Or perhaps not. The text mentions certain limitations, that the power works only on men, and that those born during the Eclipse of the Sister Star remain immune." She paused meaningfully. "Captain Nikolai was born during such an eclipse."

The implication hung in the air between them. Lysandra realized she had severely misjudged not only Ravenna's observational skills but her knowledge of ancient lore. This conversation had become far more dangerous than she'd anticipated.

"An interesting story," Lysandra said, struggling to maintain her composure. "Though I fail to see its relevance to our discussion of Lord Blackwood's behavior."

"Don't you?" Ravenna's voice was soft. "Then let me be more direct. I believe you possess an extraordinary gift, Lysandra. Whether granted by Velmira or some other source is immaterial. What matters is how you choose to use it, and who you choose as allies in that use."

The room seemed to grow smaller as the implications of Ravenna's words sank in. If she truly believed Lysandra had supernatural powers, that made her either a dangerous enemy or a potential ally with unexpected knowledge.

"If such a thing were possible," Lysandra said carefully, "why would you not see it as a threat?"

"Because I understand power, in all its forms," Ravenna replied. "And I recognize that your gift, like any power, has limitations. Used unwisely, it could lead to your destruction as easily as your advancement."

She leaned forward, her expression intense. "Consider Theron. His obsession grows daily. What happens when that obsession becomes dangerous? When it threatens your safety rather than securing it? You've seen how he looks at you now, with hunger that borders on madness. That will only intensify."

The truth of Ravenna's words struck home. Already, Theron's behavior showed signs of unhealthy fixation, his jealousy when she spoke with other men, his growing possessiveness, the way his eyes followed her movements with near-feverish intensity.

"And you would help me manage this... theoretical situation... out of kindness?" Lysandra couldn't keep the skepticism from her voice.

"Out of pragmatism," Ravenna corrected. "Theron's deteriorating focus threatens business interests I've worked decades to build. Your rise has created ripples throughout the household and beyond. I prefer to direct such disruptions to mutual advantage rather than allow them to spiral into chaos."

She refilled both their wine glasses with precise movements. "Besides, I find your ascent... interesting. It's rare to encounter someone with your particular talents."

Lysandra took a small sip of wine, buying time to think. Ravenna clearly knew, or strongly suspected, the truth about her power. Denying it further would only insult the woman's intelligence. Yet confirming it carried its own risks.

"What exactly are you proposing?" she asked finally.

"An arrangement of mutual benefit," Ravenna replied. "You will continue your... influence over Theron, but temper it according to my guidance. In exchange, I will help you navigate the more dangerous aspects of your situation and provide protection against those who might exploit or harm you."

"Including yourself?"

Ravenna's smile was cool. "I have no interest in destroying useful assets, Lysandra. Unlike my husband, I understand that power is best wielded with precision rather than brute force."

"And this arrangement would extend to my position with Lord Cassian?"

"It could," Ravenna allowed. "Though I would need to know your intentions there. Cassian has connections that could prove either valuable or catastrophic, depending on how they're managed."

The conversation had taken a turn Lysandra hadn't anticipated. Instead of confrontation, Ravenna was offering partnership, albeit one where the power balance remained firmly in her favor. It was both an opportunity and a potential trap.

"I need time to consider your offer," Lysandra said finally.

"Of course." Ravenna nodded, apparently satisfied. "You're wise to not make hasty decisions. However," her tone cooled slightly, "don't take too long. Theron's condition worsens daily, and there are others who have begun to notice the changes in him. Questions are being asked in certain circles."

The implied threat was clear. If Lysandra didn't align herself with Ravenna, she might find herself facing more dangerous adversaries without protection.

"I understand," Lysandra said, rising from her chair. "Is there anything else, my lady?"

Ravenna studied her for a moment longer, then shook her head. "Not for now. You may go."

As Lysandra reached the door, Ravenna's voice stopped her. "One more thing, Lysandra."

She turned back, finding Ravenna still seated, her expression unreadable.

"Whatever choice you make, remember this: in my twenty years of marriage to Theron, I have outlasted every threat, every scheme, and every person who underestimated me." Her smile was thin. "I would hate to see someone of your potential make such a basic error."

With that final warning hanging in the air, Lysandra left the room, her mind reeling. The encounter had been nothing like she expected, Ravenna knew far more than seemed possible, offered alliance rather than opposition, and demonstrated knowledge of Velmira that few in this era possessed.

As she descended the stairs, one question dominated her thoughts: was Ravenna truly offering partnership, or merely ensuring Lysandra's power served her own ends? And more troublingly, what would happen if Lysandra refused?

She needed to find Saren immediately. This development changed everything.