Chapter 60

I kick with all my might, my arms reaching for the surface of the water, that glimmer of light that promises life. Just as my fingers brush against the rippling surface, a force slams against my head, pushing me back down into the murky depths.

Asha's face looms above the waterline. "You're too weak," she hisses as her hands clamp on my skull like a vise.

I try to scream, but only bubbles escape my lips.

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!