Lucas

The blood drained from my face so rapidly I nearly lost consciousness.

Even before he stepped into view, I knew exactly who that voice belonged to—the head healer.

A wave of betrayal crashed through me, leaving nothing but bitter disbelief in its wake.

Why? I clenched my teeth until my jaw ached. Had his word meant nothing?

He had sworn to keep my secret, had looked me in the eyes and promised. So why was he doing this to me now?

“Who speaks?” the elder demanded. “Show yourself.”

“It is I,” came the measured response as he stepped into the circle of judgment.

The elders’ expressions changed instantly, their...