Page 11 of Frosted Torment

My eyes snapped shut, memories of my mother’s solemn warning about the Baneful flooding back. Reality struck withchilling clarity. Was he one of them? His body hovered over mine, evoking an involuntary shiver. I wasn’t certain.

“Don’t be afraid,” he said with a sly grin. “I long to see the moment you understand.” A slamming door outside made him pause, his gaze never leaving mine. “You’re fighting me in your sleep.”

I gritted my teeth. “Get out of my head!”

“We’re not done. You need to see this.” He grabbed my head and pulled it toward his.

“No,” I heard myself say, my voice stronger than I felt. “Get away.”

I pulled myself from his grasp and recoiled against the back of the couch. He came closer, his hands reaching for my neck. They were strong and gentle as he cradled the base of my skull with a firm grip. His thumbs drew soothing patterns on my skin, countering the fear that seeped through me. My body melted under his.

“I’d never hurt you, but don’t move. Breathe,” the man instructed.

The man with sparkling emerald eyes curled his fingers around my neck. He pressed his forehead to mine, applying slight pressure. Our eyes converged, and I began to see into his mind, or he was projecting into mine.

A deep scent of earthy grass and lilac filled my senses. It was intoxicating. It settled into every inch of my body, pulsing through my veins like a drug. A tree sprouted from the floor of my apartment, erupting in swirling green vines.

They snaked across the blanket and up to the ceiling, morphing into thick boughs spreading in all directions. I reachedout to touch them. They coiled around my fingers and arms with a euphoric sensation. Then, they bloomed into delicate pink petals. My audible gasp faded as the fragile blossoms sifted through my fingers.

“It’s a cherry blossom tree,” I said.

An eagerness saturated his voice. “Yes. Now, focus.”

My body tensed as he fisted my hair, fingers digging into my scalp. I tried to resist, but his touch overpowered me. He searched my mind with his. It was like a tidal wave crashing over me, erasing all control.

An intense pulse rushed from my neck to my lips. Tiny sparks danced behind my eyes as I trembled under his touch. A sharp sensation pierced my head, and I found myself in a field, frozen in time.

Soft blades of blue grass tickled my feet, and the wind played with my hair. I surveyed the endless expanse of the field stretching out before me. It bordered a wide river, and chunks of ice drifted along its glassy surface.

To my left, a waterfall cascaded down a bisected mountain. One half was black, the other half white. Then pressure on my jaw forced me to look right. Across the river, the blooming cherry tree sat silhouetted against the mountain. Set within the rocky face loomed an iron gate; its pull was magnetic.

“Do you see that?” I asked. “It’s jammed shut.”

“It’s locked. Now, open it.” Eagerness took root in his voice.

My breath hitched. “I can’t. There’s no keyhole.”

His grip tightened as he applied more pressure with his head and held my gaze. “Try harder, Noa.”

A wave of nausea churned in my stomach at the thought ofwhat lay beyond that gate. “I need a key,” I pleaded, heart racing as I felt someone’s approach drawing near. “They’re coming!”

“No. You’re—” With a jolt, his head snapped back as a powerful current shot between us, and my eyes closed.

When I awoke, my bones ached, and my hand throbbed.

“Noa, wake up,” Ivy sang, pressing something cold and wet to my face.

I felt around and located a damp cloth on my forehead, tossing it aside. I sat up, kneading my pounding temples. My fingers found a needle piercing my skin, secured with tape and connected to an IV.

A soft moan escaped my lips. “What’s going on?”

“You fell off the couch,” Jossy huffed, arms crossed.

My eyes began to burn and water as I whispered, “I had a nightmare.”

“Must have been a powerful one to throw you to the floor.” Skepticism decorated his face.

“Can you please help me up?” I asked with a touch of defensiveness.

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