Aria’s POV

“Aria,” Mara whispered when she found me trying to stand. She looked so small beside me, but her eyes were sharp with worry. “You should rest. You did too much last night.”

“Rest?” My voice cracked. My throat felt like sand. “Hope is missing, Mara. Missing. I can feel it...right here. I can see the path they took. I can’t just sit here.”

Mara’s lips trembled. She pressed her hand to her mouth. “Aria… the council will decide...”

“Decide?” I cut ...