Elara's POV
The moment I saw the charred leather, something inside me went cold.
Not because I recognized the symbol.
Because I recognized the smell.
Smoke.
Old smoke.
The kind that had lived in my nightmares for years.
The kind that had clung to my family's clothes before they were taken from me.
And what the warriors said still ringing in my head.
She stole it.
I reached for the piece of leather.
Kade caught my wrist.
"Don't."
I looked at him.
"Why?"
"Because we don't know what it is."
The warrior stepped forward.
"The Elders are waiting."
Kade's jaw tightened.
"Where?"
"The council hall."
His eyes moved to me.
"You stay here."
I laughed bitterly.
"Apparently, your Elders are discussing me."
"Exactly."
"Then I'm coming."
"No."
"Why?"
"Because they may decide
