“Where is the blacksmith?” she demanded.
A long pause before the mirror responded. “In the village with elves so fair, where moonlight weaves a silken air, beneath the boughs of ancient trees, a forest where magic flows with ease.”
“Is he with Snow White?” she asked.
“Indeed, he is, my queen.”
She opened her palms, watching as purple fire danced between her fingers. “Then let them both feel my wrath.”
Snow hurried through the village looking for Roderick. She found him along with Elator and Ardan on the edge of the village just inside the Elder’s protective magic. She should have been surprised to see him talking to Ardan about his enchanted dagger, but she wasn’t. Roderick pulled out his own blade and showed it to the young elf.
It was a simple thing. Almost as though they were sharing a love of enchanted weapons. Or perhaps merely a love of weapons. Even Elator was impressed with the craftsmanship of the daggers. She halted there, watching them as they compared blades, their voices hushed. She was unable to hear what they said. Their comradery, though, made her smile.
As she took a step toward them, the air shifted. A bitter breeze blew through the trees, which was odd in the middle of summer. Her senses suddenly went on high alert as she stood there, gazing around the treetops, watching the leaves dancing in the late afternoon sunshine.
But something was wrong.
A quick glance at Roderick told her he sensed the same thing. His face had paled. Their eyes met. His brows drew together in concern. Instead of sheathing his blade, he clutched it in his fist, as though ready to do battle.
A flash of light at the edge of the village exploded followed by an odd shattering. It occurred to her the magic barriers the Elders constructed were broken. Her heart rammed against her chest. She clutched her skirts, ready to run. But Roderick was already moving toward her.
Wraith-like creatures invaded the village, sweeping around the trees. In an instant, Roderick was at her side, his hand wrapping around her upper arm.
“We have to get you out of here,” he said.
“What is it?” She watched in horror.
“Snow?” Yirrie called from the front door.
“Get back inside and stay there!” Roderick shouted.
The slamming of the door was evidence enough Yirrie had obeyed.
Snow’s gaze was fixed on the creatures floating through the village. One seemed to fixate on her and sped toward her. She stumbled backward, despite Roderick’s hand on her arm. As it neared, she realized it was more of a black mist in the shape of a wraith, faceless yet terrifying.
A puff of purple smoke billowed upward from the ground. Once it cleared, Seraphina appeared. The wraiths skittered behind her, hovering there waiting for her next instructions. Roderick shoved Snow behind him, holding his enchanted blade at the ready. Her gaze flickered from him to Snow and back again. A tense silence settled over the village.
Snow was aware of the other elves witnessing the arrival of the queen. She was also aware Ardan was taking long, slow steps toward them. She cut him a glance and gave him a quick shake of her head. He halted where he was.
“Well, well,” Seraphina said, her voice ringing out across the village. “Snow White still lives. A pity you did not perish years ago.”
Snow pressed her lips together into a thin line.
A commotion caught her attention. Tasnia and the other Elders had arrived. Even Master Harwin was with them, which was a surprise. Seraphina flung out a hand, pushing them back.
“Who are you?” Tasnia demanded. “What do you want here?”
“I am the queen of the Mystic Vale,” Seraphina said, her voice strong and sure. Her gaze flickered back to Roderick. “He knows what I want.”
“The stranger?” Tasnia asked.
The Elder didn’t understand what was happening, but Snow did. Perhaps if she gave herself to the queen, she would leave the village.
“Yes, the stranger,” Seraphina snapped, her words venom. She pinned Tasnia with her lethal glare. “I have broken through your magical barrier, elf. You have harbored this individual long enough. Now, it is time for her to return with me. As my prisoner.”
Ardan moved to stand between the queen and Roderick and Snow. “You can’t have her.”
“Ardan,” Snow gasped.
