POV: Maya

I stared at Zara's extended hand, the weight of her ultimatum crushing down on me. Come with her and abandon everyone who'd followed me. Or stay and watch them all die. Some choice.

"No," I said.

Zara's eyebrows rose. "Excuse me?"

"I said no." I forced myself to sit up, ignoring the fresh blood that poured from my nose. "I'm not abandoning my people."

"Your people?" Zara laughed, sharp and mocking. "Look around, sister. Your compound is burning. Your army is being ...