Page 26 of The Dark, Dead, Deep

“If you don’t submit to the memory spell, we’ll lock you away so that you can never tell another soul what you heard here,” Cormac growled.

Tor rolled his eyes. “So dramatic.”

“I didn’t hear anything.” I looked at them as if they were mad before loosening a heavy sigh. “I don’t have much time.” I glanced towards the window, where I knew the lake shore sat, behind the closed curtains. I was unaware I had spoken aloud until Tor pulled out the chair with a screech of wood against the tile.

“A bargain, perhaps?” Rainn suggested heartily.

“A bargain?” I echoed back.

Rainn nodded.

My body sagged as I gave in, trudging to the chair and sinking down.

I had two options, and neither one appealed.

Leave the beach with my memory altered. Or allow them to lock me in a room until I succumbed to the first option.

I didn’t like the idea of someone meddling with my thoughts and memories. Every moment I sat on the High Throne, I was dogged by the inevitability that I would lose my mind. I didn’t want to court more insanity if I could help it.

But there was no other option.

I would never make it to the Frosted Sands in time.

“May I have your name?” Tor placed his hands on the side of my head, pressing my damp hair to my cheeks.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “My true name?” My voice hitched.

One of the men chuckled, but I couldn’t turn my head to see who.

“No,” Tor grunted. “You are young, so take heed. Do not give your true name to anyone. There is nary a spell that requires it that will benefit you in any way.”

“That by which others call you is enough,” Rainn supplied helpfully.

I nodded stiffly, but the movement was hindered by Tor’s hands on my cheeks.

“That which others call me,” I whispered back.

“Your family name and title,” Tor replied absently.

I took a deep breath before I spoke. “Lady Maeve-Aurora Cruinn of the Esteemed Undine Court,” I said without inflection.

I knew my mistake the moment my name left my lips.

Cruinn.

The Heart of the Lake.

The Undine Royal Family.

As I stood on the water’s edge, I watched the waves tumble over the rocky sand. The wind played with my hair, and I felt the kiss of the frigid air as the lake crooned and urged me to the water.

Rainn stood by my side, squinting into the distance.

“I won’t remember anything once I get past the rocks?” I whispered.

“Nary a thing, lass.” Rainn tried to smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

I didn’t know why my heart hurt—perhaps it was because I had to venture back to the water. To certain death, if my uncle found me before I could get to the Frosted Sands and finally reach my magical majority.

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