"Lemongrass and cloves," Fernando whispered, a dark, triumphant gleam flashing in his eyes. "Smooth skin where a thirty-year-old scar should be. It really is you. The Moon Goddess's heir."
My heart hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I lied, forcing my voice to stay steady despite the terror clawing at my throat.
"You don't have to lie to me, girl," Fernando said softly. He reached into his coat and drew a curved, silver-bladed dagger from his belt. The metal caught the faint glow of my discarded lantern. "I saw the proof on my own belly weeks ago. But my men... they need convincing before we march you south."
He turned his head slightly toward the man holding me. "Hold her arm flat."
"No! Leave her alone!" Ray shrieked, thrashing a
