Book 2: On Ice

Estrella

I scratch at the second plain, shapeless Dun’s Crossing dress I’ve worn in four days and try not to cry. My gown lies on the floor of that ridiculous room Anwen took me to, and as much as I’ll miss it, I think I’ll be happier if I never see it again. My scalp aches from leaving the braids and pins in all night. The soreness between my legs makes it impossible to forget what I did.

‘Strella?’ Tess calls. ‘Your mother said you were looking into things, but I’m starting to worry. Just tell me you’re not dead.’

I swallow against a lump in my throat. My heart still feels like a dead thing in my chest, like it stopped beating with Father’s. In some ways, I’m grateful for that. If it weren’t frozen, I might have to deal with what just happened with Anwen.

The soft, fragile hope in his pale eyes claws at my still chest. It doesn’t hurt any more than the mark on my shoulder, than the sinking feeling I’ve just left my mate for the last time. T