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Cold wetness flowed over my face. I shook my head and wet hair stuck to my cheek. I blinked and tried to step away from the stream of chilling water, but I could not. It drenched my clothes, and I shivered.
“Close it.” The sharp voice rang in my water-logged ears.
The waterfall slowed to a stop. I shook as my vision righted. My wrists were encircled with iron manacles. My boots had been stripped, and frigid metal bit into my ankles. There was no range of motion for either my hands or feet and no access to magic with the iron holding me in place.
I shook my head, clearing my wet hair out of my eyes.
The room that came into view clenched my bladder. This room was Queen Odette’s death room, and I was in the honored spot. Rivets carved the floor leading into the deep red, shimmering pool that wreaked of iron. I swallowed, and my gaze darted to my right.
Perched on an unadorned throne at the top of the steps was the queen. Her blonde hair fell in soft curls down her shoulders, and her light blue eyes pierced into mine like an eagle targeting her prey. Her petal-pink lips twitched into a smile.
Her outward beauty hid the vile evil residing within her alabaster skin. Hatred rolled off her like a malignant disease.
The frigid air wrapped around me, leaving my teeth chattering as violently as the iron chains.
Queen Odette stood and crossed the distance, the white dress she wore drifted behind her as if it was made of smoke. Languid and deadly, she approached me, inspecting me like a treasured pet.
I pressed against the rough wall, shrinking away from her.
“I was pleased that the apple my mage placed in the orchard caught your attention,” she said. Her voice dripped like honey, sweet and soothing, and she reached out and traced a line from my throat to right above my heart, where she dug her sharp nail into my flesh.
I sucked air between my teeth at the sudden flare of pain.
“I cannot seem to take the magic nestled inside you.” Her gaze slid to mine, and she tilted her head. “It seems I need your permission.”
A bark of a laugh escaped from my tight chest.
I had witnessed her stealing the powers of others. Not once did she need their permission to take what she wanted. Every time, the bodies were left as dead husks, drained of magic, drained of blood. Blood used to fill her infernal pool.
And with each death, Queen Odette had glowed with the infusion of life.
I had no idea why she couldn’t gain access to my magic. She never had that issue before, at least not that I had been aware of. But I thanked the gods for that small gift, or otherwise I wouldn’t be breathing right now.
“Give it to me,” she hissed as her eyes blazed.
“No.” The growl in my voice sent her back a step.
She pulled her fingernail from my skin and pointed the dripping digit at me. “I promise you, you will regret refusing me.”
I narrowed my eyes at her, conjuring up a glare that matched hers. I lifted my chin in defiance. “You will never possess my magic.”
The way she smiled at me sent burning fear through my blood. Fear that stripped me of a retort and left me trembling.
She turned and stomped across the room, then disappeared into the hallway. When the door slammed closed, and I was sure I was alone, I slumped against the wall, blinking the sting from my eyes. My heart clanged in my chest, powered by the adrenaline rush fading in my veins. The cold seeped in deeper, right down to the marrow.
I clenched my jaw, forcing my teeth to remain still despite my constant shiver. I focused on my wrist and the cuff links I’d specifically attached to help if I found myself in a situation like this.
I twisted and turned my wrists until the hem of my sleeves reached each of my palms. The concentration needed for such a slow task took my mind off the hideous cold that penetrated the room. With my fingers, I slid the fabric along from one side to the opposite side, feeling for the lock picks I’d hid.
Nothing.
I closed my eyes, convinced I wasn’t trying hard enough.
I repeated moving each sleeve until it covered most of my hands. My inspection became frantic as I searched, my blood pulsing in my temples.
The cuff links were gone.
Despair wrapped its frigid hand around my soul and squeezed until I thought I would burst.
I yanked at the iron, letting out a scream containing every ounce of my frustration.