Chapter 23

Anastasia

Theo and I spend the next day at the pond. He didn’t go back in the water after almost marking me, though. I want to ask Ekaterina why she stopped him, but I think she’s avoiding me.

“I think I’m feeling better now. Please, can you turn away?” When he turns away, I step out. Even though we were half-naked under the water a few hours ago, I’m still not comfortable being seen only in my underwear.

My throat doesn’t feel sore anymore, and it doesn’t hurt to talk. My body temperature’s gone down. I feel stronger. I’m sure it’s because of the spells Ekaterina cast into the water. They must’ve helped me recover. I dry myself with the hand towel I packed from home.

“You can turn around now,” I say once I’m done putting on my clothes.

“Are you sure you’re feeling better?” Theo asks, facing me.

“Yes,” I say, and he places