Page 40 of Realm of Flames (Reborn 3)
“Shot down?” Ignatius demanded, his face filled with panic that didn’t match his temper. From his expression alone I felt like the man was mad at me, but I was starting to realize that may just be his mannerisms.
“I believe so,” I whispered and looked back at Cyra, “but I had been in that basement as long as I can remember. I assumed any other memories were dreams. Also, until two days ago, I hadn’t been able to shift—”
“The coven most likely blocked her magic when they killed her the first time,” Croy explained. “It was also why you probably couldn’t locate her.”
“They fucking killed you?” Con hissed.
“Yes.” I shrank slightly, feeling less confident. Atlas’s hand found its way onto the back of my neck in a soothing way.
“Maya has been through a lot,” Henry said, his voice filled the space. “I don’t think anyone is in the correct mindset to hear her story, frankly.”
Realization seemed to fill the room as I blushed, knowing that they were probably figuring out that my time away had been anything but pleasant. I swallowed and tried to redirect the question. “So… I’m from here?”
“Yes, you are the True Heir, princess to the Dreki realm,” Cyra immediately answered. Her words still were stunning me, because the idea of me belonging to anything important, ever, seemed inconceivable.
“Because you’re the queen? And my mother?” I clarified, the lights starting to darken slightly on the edges as my neck broke out in a cool sweat.
“Maya—” Henry’s voice tilted in concern as he probably realized I was starting to feel sick again, my fever spiking. My phoenix was out of control and overwhelmed as Cyra said something, my brow dipping in confusion. Pain radiated from my abdomen as I leaned back against Ledger.
Everything started to spot black as the reality of their words hit me, the truth of what I had believed in so long forgotten. I hadn’t been just locked in a basement, I’d been ripped away from everything. A mom. Dads. An entire realm. A choked sound left my throat, and I felt fire lick my skin dangerously as my eyes fluttered shut. I heard commotion breaking out into the room, but when I slumped forward, the only thing I could smell was the familiar scent of my mom.
That was right before I blacked out.
The last thought that plagued my mind?Were there more like me?
