Chapter 61

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 knows what happened to Emerin.

Those accusing words keep echoing in my mind as I hurry through the corridors.

With each step I take down the narrow, winding staircase, my heart pounds harder and harder against my ribs.

Why would Asha know anything about what happened to Emerin? Asha seemed genuinely upset when she showed me that ominous letter in her tent.

I swallow against the lump forming in my throat. If Asha has any answers about Emerin, I must ask her. Otherwise, how can I ever rest not knowing the full truth of what happened to my sister?

Emerin should be safely back home in Bakva right now, happily spending time with Tahira.

I approach the same guard as the day before. "I would like to see my sister, Asha," I say, trying to keep the quaver from my voice.

"Of course, My Lady." The guard turns and leads me to Asha's cell.

My heart drops to the floor as I peer inside. Asha lies slumped on the dirty mattress, her head lolled at an unnatural angle.

"Asha!" I cry out and shake the bars as dread rises within me.

She does not stir.

I shake the bar again, harder and harder. "Asha!"

Still, she doesn't stir. Doesn't wake up. Doesn't look at me.

The hem of my surcoat lashes my legs as I whirl around to address the guard. "Open the door."

He unlocks the door with fumbling haste.

I hurry inside and shout over my shoulder. "Send for the healer at once."

He rushes off as I drop to my knees beside my sister and gather her into my arms. "Don't leave me, Ash," I whisper through trembling lips. "I need you. Please."

I shake her, trying to get her to wake up, to open her eyes, but she doesn't.

Grief wells up inside me, a howl of anguish straining against my ribs, my lungs, my throat.

No!

I shake her again and again, but she doesn't open her eyes.

The healer appears and examines Asha, then she glances at me and shakes her head.

No! Asha cannot be dead.

She can't.

"Please," I beg the healer. "Just try. Please try."

"She's dead." The woman says in a tone devoid of any warmth and leaves the cell.

I let out a guttural cry and clutch Asha to my body. "You can't leave me."

Tears spill down my cheeks as I smooth back her hair with a trembling hand, remembering how she always kept it neatly plaited. Now the strands fall loose around her face.

We had our differences, but she was still my sister, the one who chased away my childhood nightmares and defended me from Grandfather and anyone else when they mocked my scars.

I hold her tighter, as if I could somehow will life back into her. But she remains limp and unresponsive in my arms.

How could this happen? She was under Jasce's protection, and even though she was confined, she was alive when last I saw her.

I lower Asha gently to the floor and brush a stray hair from her cheek with trembling fingers.

She may be a rebel in the eyes of this house, but I will not let them just throw her away. She will get a proper burial.

I hurry to my feet and pin the guard with a pointed stare. "Do not let anyone touch her."