Page 31 of Frosted Torment

My fingers dug deeper into the dirt when paws the size of dinner plates began to circle me. My head erupted in fury once more, and the scar on my lip burned in agony as if someone were ripping it open from within.

“Find me!” his strangled voice called out to me.

I didn’t know who this man was or what consequences would come if I gave him what he wanted. Electricity crackled across my forehead, and I flipped over, my palms pushing into my eyes.

Tears stung my cheeks as dirt now clung to my lips. “Please, stop!”

A booming howl erupted beside me, then the ground shook as the animal took off into the night. I braced myself against the ground and dug my fingers into the earth, gritting my teeth against the pain. Someone scooped me up in one swift motion, and a cold wind rushed through my hair.

“You’ll be okay, Noa. I promise.” Ivy held onto me tighter as she sauntered up the stairs of the cabin.

“What. Is. Happening?” My breath panted as I pulled at my face.

Chatter filled the surrounding space, and I tried to decipher the voices, but I couldn’t. Another blow hit the back of my head, and I crumpled into the fetal position in Ivy’s arms. I clung to her with fingers so tight it would take a crowbar to release me.

Her hold around me grew stronger. Someone shone a light into each of my eyes, then guided us through the house.

Ivy blinked at me. “Was this Baz?” she asked.

“Not likely,” a man’s deep voice answered. “Lay her on the bed and remove her shoes and socks.”

His command carried an urgency that settled over us like a thick fog, leaving no room for debate. I looked deep into Ivy’s eyes, searching for a glimmer of reassurance, but all I found was a mirror of my own turmoil.

“Please don’t leave me!” My voice cracked under the weight of desperation.

The thought of being alone in this moment was suffocating—another nightmare I couldn’t bear to face.

She fought against the pull of his authority. “I can’t let her go like this, Nakoma,” Ivy insisted, her brows knitting together.

“Ivy, this is what I do,” he said, his gaze steady and compassionate.

“Let her go, Ivy.” Jossy stood beside her now, pulling on her arm before she did something reckless.

Ivy’s face contorted into a mixture of fear and shame as she peered down at me.

“Drop her now, Lieutenant!” Nakoma’s voice rang with urgency. “Consider that an order.”

The authority in his command resonated through the room like thunder, demanding compliance.

“Yes, doctor,” she snapped back, her tone sharp.

Then she released me from her grasp.

The sudden absence of her warmth left a chill in its wake, amplifying the sense of isolation that seeped into my bones. I instinctively wrapped my arms around her tighter, pulling her into my chest. I needed to anchor us both from the storm brewing within me. What felt like a hot iron singed the space between my lips and nose.

Ivy pressed her lips against my ear and whispered, “I love you and I’m so sorry.”

“Ivy…” I started, but the weight of emotion caught in my throat. I wanted to tell her that I understood—that love often meant making difficult choices, but all I could manage was a shaky exhale. “I love you, too.”

With a sharp tug, she tore my hand away from her sleeve and wiped a tear from her face. She turned away, and the sound of the door slamming echoed through the room. Bursts of heat engulfed my legs as my shoes and socks fell to the floor with a soft thud.

The man attempted to assess my eyes for a reaction, and Isensed a cold wipe against the inside of my arm. I remained rooted to the spot as if time had frozen and my body had turned into ice. My gaze remained fixed on the ceiling, unable to tear away from its dull white surface. Every cell in my body felt like it was on fire, yet I couldn’t move a muscle.

“This might hurt for a second, but you’ll relax soon,” Nakoma said. He tried to sound encouraging, but doubt filled his voice. I think the pep talk was for both of us. “I’m giving you a small dose of medicine that will help you. You’re safe here.”

But I wasn’t safe.

A few minutes ago, demons tried to kill us to get whatever secrets and powers lay hidden deep in my mind. I felt a pinch in my skin. Could I keep the promise to myself that I was strong enough to fight them off?

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