Emily carefully approached the statue and went down on her knees. Her voice trembled as she spoke about her lost brother. “I want to find my brother. Please, guide me, Goddess.”
The voice from inside the statue revealed a bitter truth. “Your brother isn’t in this world, my child.”
“Then, where is he?”
“He is dead. He died long ago, in your own world.”
Emily’s mouth fell open in shock. Tears streamed down her cheeks as the Goddess’ words echoed in the vast emptiness of the shrine. She clenched her fists and rose from the ground almost defiantly. “This can’t be! My brother mentioned Xalinor in his last letter! He has to be here. There is no way he is dead!”
“Things aren’t always what they appear to be. Your brother was never brought here. And the letter was a fake. It was not your broth
