AMARA’S POV

My people had grown small.

Their eyes lacked the fire of the silver lake warriors I once knew. Many of them appeared malnourished, hungry and broken. Their numbers had decreased drastically, it made me curious for the death statistics.

But I did not need to know. I had a pretty good idea already. Sometimes, it is best not to satisfy curiosity in order to not awaken more despair.

My back straightened as I stood upon the podium, before the eyes of my weary people. Occasionally, I ...