The Heart of Betrayal

I wasn’t sure if I was the only one who had heard her, or even seen her, but I stood there dazed, trying to grasp the enormity of what she had said. In an instant, I knew those were the verses ripped from the last page of the book. I braced against the wall, steadying myself with this revelation

And though the wait may be long, The promise is great, For the one named Jezelia, Whose life will be sacrificed For the hope of saving yours.

—Song of Venda

“What’s this?” the Komizar asked as they entered. “Has someone died?”