The words hit like a fist to the stomach.
What?
I stared at the woman, mind reeling, trying to process what I'd just heard.
Dead. They think I'm dead. They held a funeral? Would they not be out there looking for me? They gave up so easily?
The meadow seemed to tilt beneath my feet.
What in the High Priestess's name is going on?
"Joke? YOU'RE THE ONE JOKING!" My voice cracked like a whip. "MY FUNERAL? Happened almost a month ago?" Laughter tore from my throat—. "Are you saying this because you people on the island of the Emperor hate us?"
"No, I say it because it's the truth." The guard's expression remained stone. "Now I'm waiting for your truth. Speak. Who are you?"
"Rayah Vandymion." I took a step forward.
I pushed my tied hands forward and raised them, reaching for my power.
A lattice structure formed in my mind—ice, crystalline and perfect, bearing the bird insignia unique to my family.
Show them.
Prove it.
I pulled.
Nothing.
