Determined to live, I kick my legs, and the pressure around my head releases. I break through the surface and gasp for air, but before I fill my lungs halfway, another set of hands wrap around me. Emerin’s tearful eyes meet mine as she whispers an apology before forcing me back under. Panic claws at my insides, ripping and tearing as the icy water rushes into my mouth.
I fight against my sister’s grip with everything in me, desperate to breathe. She releases me and I surge toward the surface. My head breaks through into the cool night air, and I gulp it down greedily.
As I tread water, I scanthe shoreline until my eyes land on Jasce. I reach for him, knowing he will save me from this watery grave. He kneels and caresses the scarred side of my face.
“Jasce,” I say between ragged breaths. “Help me.”
His expression shifts, turning hard and cold. “I have to do this, Annora.”
Shock rips through me as he shoves me under the water with a force that knocks the remaining air from my lungs. I kick my legs and flail my arms, desperate to get away from him, to live, to unite our houses as we planned. I have to make him see reason, make him understand we can still achieve our dream together.
Just as my vision blurs, he releases me. I shoot for the surface, but before I can take a single breath, Aleksander shoves me back under, his hands like iron shackles holding me below the murky water.
No!
I need to live!
ChapterSixty-One
ANNORA
I jerk awake,thrashing and kicking. The blankets tangle around my legs like vines, trapping me, and I scream, trying to get away from them.
Frantically, I claw at the blankets until I manage to free myself. I scramble against the headboard and gulp air into my burning lungs.
As my breathing slows, I look around as reality seeps back in. Weak morning light filters through the windows.
I bring my knees to my chest and wrap my arms around them.
It was just a nightmare.
You’re safe!
A knock pounds against the door, rattling the wood and sending a jolt through me.
“Forgive me, My Lady,” a voice calls out from the hallway. “But I have a missive for you.”
I scan the bedchamber, expecting to see Jasce, but the room is empty except for me.
My legs tremble as I rise from the bed and reach for my dressing gown. I pull it on over my nightdress. Then, I grab for my veil and place it over my face.
Who could be looking for me so early? I move cautiously to the door.
As I open it, one of the palace guards bows and holds out a sealed parchment. “A missive for you, My Lady.”
“Thank you,” I say as I take it from him.
He nods and strides away down the hallway. I close the door and stare down at the mysterious letter, my thumbs brushing over the crimson wax seal.
What tidings could it bring so early in the morning? I break the seal and read the words.
Asha knows what happened to Emerin.
Return to the dungeon and demand answers if you wish to uncover the truth.
* * *
Asha knowswhat happened to Emerin.
