C67 Tell The Truth, Jake!!

Jake’s Point of View

Ellias cornered me before I could leave the square. His grip on my arm was firm, his eyes sharper than I’d seen in weeks.

“You look like hell,” he muttered.

“Good morning to you too,” I said, forcing a smile that didn’t last.

He didn’t waste time. A rolled parchment hit my chest, hard enough to sting. “Read it.”

I caught it, unrolled it halfway, and froze