MAYA'S POV

"There was a war at the academy." He steps closer, whispering to us like he's not supposed to talk about it. He straightens when he's done spilling. "The houses are down there. This is the market. No one lives here," he explains. "About a week or two ago, the fight destroyed a lot of things, but rumors have it they are rebuilding quickly."

True, I know the story he's telling, but I remain quiet and refuse to concur out loud. I can't sell my identity out.

"You know, the ...