Chapter 49. Fractures

Lotus’s POV

The cell smells like damp stone and blood. The silver cuffs cut deeper every time I move, but I can’t stop moving. My wrists burn, and my magic aches.

I don’t know how long I have been left alone. Sitting cross-legged on the floor, the cold seeps through my pants, but I don’t shiver against the cold. Staring down at my hands, I expect the shackles more closely. They glow faintly with their own dull light. They aren’t just made of silver. Runes are etched along the curves. Whoever forged these knew exactly what I am. They were made for me.

I feel helpless in this moment. Everything the triplets said would happen did happen. It is what they have been warning me about for months, and I walked stupidly into a trap. I draw in a low breath. I am not helpless. I am my mother’s child, but I am not my mother.

My thoughts steady me enough for me to formulate a plan. Closing my eyes, I reach inward. Sifting through my pain and fear, I look for my powe