Page 52 of Frost and Death
Niko winces as I reach out.
Fear of losing another person I care for has a frigid crackle kissing up my arms.
Panic surges in my core, and despite my magic waking up, I somehow manage to plea, “Please, no. I can’t do this without him.”
But my own magic does not expel as it cascades through me. Instead, a bitter chill prickles against my skin, forcing me to look down at myself.
Frost blooms to life in my pores, specks of ice swirling across my hands and arms.
My own terrorized shriek is muted as terror explodes in the ballroom.
Screams bounce off the walls, fear driving people toward the exit as noblemen gape in horror and scorn as guests bang for the door to open and get away from the Snow Queen’s power.
The symphony of alarm filling the room does not dampen Rick’s rich tone. “Fascinating.”
Niko collapses against Rick’s hold as a guttural scream escapes me. Terror draws to the surface as Rick steps over Niko’s body as if it is nothing, inching closer to me.
I stumble backward, my arms feeling dense as magic grows thicker in my veins, snow weighing me down.
I keep looking beyond Rick, toward Niko. Begging, pleading for him to—
“Relax. I will not kill your lover. Now let me help you,” Rick says calmly.
“What did you do to him?” I hiss, shivers running through my body, unsure of how this man is going to help me.
Rick ignores my question, stalking after me.
I fight against my fear, managing to lift my heavy arm and strike him. But the effort goes unheeded.
Rick catches my hand before it meets his face and tugs me close.
I fight against his hold, trying to get my magic to attack him somehow and not whatever it is currently doing to me.
But Rick closes his eyes in concentration, heat erupting from where he touches me.
Warmth spews up my arm and throughout my entire body.
I don’t know if it is rage or my magic, but when the frost coating my veins slowly vanishes, my eyes widen in horror when they meet Rick’s gaze. I fight to escape his hold again, but my body is molten enough to faint.
“You are coming with me.”
“I willnevergo with you,” I spit, rage rising to the surface as the dizzying heat spreads through me.
“If you don’t come willingly, I will kill your lover right here, right now.” Rick tugs me, and my heart breaks seeing Niko injured.
I am left with no choice. To save him, Ihaveto go with Rick.
I turn to Niko, watching him move slowly.
A few noblemen hurry to Niko, trying to help him up.
My heart leaps in relief and tears line my vision when his eyes find mine.
“Tove,” Niko gasps.
The entire room is filled with terror and screams.
The doors finally open.
