Chapter 42: Betrayal Uncovered

Eliana sighs with relief, tears welling up. “I thought you were dead.”

“No,” the elderly woman bites out moving forward, “Hardly.”

The Princess takes a step forward, but an oddity in the way Selma is watching her, causes Eliana to pause.

Alma continues to stare at the room, her eyes wide as she peers upon the golden throne. She blinks repeatedly before turning her attention onto the maid.

“Where is everyone?”

Selma’s gaze slowly shifts to the werebird, “Excuse me?”

“The citizens, soldiers. Where is everyone in Zaline,” Alma elaborates. Her brow shifts up in inquiry.

“They have all either fled or have been captured,” she states simply, her shoulders slightly lifting in a shrug.

“Selma,” Eliana forces out her words, an unease building in her stomach. “Where is my father?”

The woman’s body shifts back to face her, a cruel curl twisting her lips, “Why did you have to survive? Why did you return?”

Trying to organize her thoughts, Eliana frowns, “What do you mean?”