Chapter 40

AYRA

I stood on a podium in front of an immense crowd, fear licking every inch of my spine. Their faces were blurred, but I could still make out their anger.

Was the anger directed at me?

I panicked, my palms turning clammy while my mouth dried up. I took steps backward, ready to flee the scene, when a hand clamped down on my shoulder.

I immediately felt calm soar through me, and my racing heart slowed down. I turned my head to the side to look at the woman, but her face was also blurry.

Frustration replaced that calm. Why couldn’t I see anyone?

“What’s going on?” I asked, pointing at the crowd.

“Come here, honey,” the smoky voice said, but there was no mistaking the femininity it held.

I knew that voice.

“Mom?” I asked, tears suddenly pooling at the bottom of my lids.

I could make out the outline of her smile as she raised her hand to cup the side of my face. “Yes, honey. It’s me. You’re all grown up now.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s been a long year. I’ve missed you.”

“Me too. Where a