Chapter 22

“You have possession of all four elements. You are an excellent dragon rider. The dragons love you. And you have… your visions,” she added simply. “Any tribe—every tribe—should be clamoring to get your attention, but they aren’t.”

“Because I’m half-Fae,” she whispered.

“No,” Helly said sharply with a shake of her head. “No, that’s not why. Don’t ever think that. Because you’ve done such a good job at hiding how accomplished you are, everyone underestimates you. It’s a very safe position to be in.”

“It’s not safe; it’s suicide,” she croaked. “If I’m not a member of a tribe, then I don’t become a citizen, Helly. I don’t get my own life. I don’t get to escape what my father did to me!”

And there it was. Her entire life and fears laid out before them like a raw, bleeding wound.

Helly reached forward and pressed her hands to her trembling fingertips. “What Kivrin did to you was wrong, Maya,” she murmured. “I am certain he deeply regrets what happened. If you wish to return to Bryonica, the