Page 95 of A Shard of Ice

She steps in front of the mirror, which solidifies under her scrutiny. Snow looks exactly as I recall. It’s as if time has stood still.

Her hair is as black as midnight, falling in waves down her back. Her porcelain skin seems to glow under the light, giving her an otherworldly appearance. Her lips are red like rubies.

She is the same in all ways except for one: it’s her eyes. Looking into the reflection of them freezes me in place – icy blue, devoid of warmth or humanity. This is not the Snow we used to laugh with. This is not the Snow who Kyran loved. TheSnow who loved my brother back with a fierceness that was the envy of all who witnessed it.

She’s changed. It’s worse than before. Worse than I ever imagined. This is the face of pure evil. Seeing her has the blood running cold in my veins.

I can feel the power crackling under her skin. The sizzling. The prickles that are sent up and down my body from being close to her.

Snow raises her hand and says, “Show me! Show what I wish to see.” She is addressing the mirror, which begins to shift and warp, the surface contorting and twisting into unnatural shapes.

“Show me!” Even her voice has changed. It’s harsh and uncaring.

The mirror shows…riders atop big steeds and the desolate countryside. I realize that it is showing me the view from someone’s eyes. The person looks to the side, and I note that the fae on horseback are wearing plumed helms.

Then, the mirror distorts, and the landscape changes somewhat. We’re still looking through someone’s eyes. There are more riders on horseback. I catch a glimpse of sharp canines on one of the riders and know that I’m seeing the group of bloodfae.

The views change several more times. I think she’s tracking the various parties who are hunting me to see if I have been found. She’s looking through the general’s eyes. The Primus, too.

The views shift faster and faster until the scene becomes a blur. I have to look away because my stomach rolls with nausea.

“Enough!” she shouts, dropping her hand. “No!” she shouts in rage. “Nooooo!” She walks up to the mirror, which is solid once more, and beats on its surface with her bare fists.

The thuds are loud. I feel them in my very bones. It is only when the mirror cracks that Snow stops her rant. She is breathing heavily. Then she makes a noise of disgust and walks away, her heels sharp on the ice floor. The sound gets softer andsofter, and the door slams. The mirror turns into shifting liquid once more, the crack disappearing.

Two things are quite clear: she is desperate to find me, and she can’t get a read on me at all. I watched her this entire time, and she didn’t have a clue I was here. It’s true; she can’t track us like she can the others.

It gives me hope.

With my heart thumping wildly, I turn and go back to the room with the doors. I make my way down the tunnel that will lead to the horses. They nicker when they see me.

I had planned on leaving right away, but I feel exhausted after the day we had. I feel even more emotionally drained after saying goodbye to Kyrie. Also, I’m not sure I should travel at night with the hywolves still on the prowl. After the snowstorm, the trail through the gorge might very well be blocked. It’ll be better to sit tight, at least for a short while. It gives me solace to know that I am still close to Kyrie. I am delaying the inevitable, but with good reason.

I look at the dark patch where the tunnel entrance is. I’m tempted to go back to check on her. I’m loath to leave.

Instead, I give the horses another scoop of grain each, which they start eating with gusto. Then I get myself some jerky, an apple, and the soda bread Grigor packed for us to take. Then, I make myself comfortable on the bedroll.

I’ll leave in the morning. It’s a long trip to the Nezcara Valley.

32

Kyrie

The next morning…

I have yet to leave thebasement area of the castle. It’s where the staff live and where all the work happens. Everything from laundry to cooking. I wonder if Damon has left yet. I’m sure he has by now. I miss him already. I ache with missing him.

I have to force myself to focus on what the older fae lady is saying.

“You can come back at dawn tomorrow, young lady. I will have your uniforms ready for you then.”

“I will be here, Lady Siophra.” My new boss is a severe-looking fae with very big, very pointy ears. Her hair is braided down her back, reminding me a little of Thesha. I feel a pang of longing because thoughts of Thesha make me think of Damon all over again. I push those feelings aside. I will deal with them later. “Thank you for giving me a chance.” I lower my gaze.

“Do not thank me yet. You still have a moon-cycle to get through. I will expect you to prove yourself during that time.You have this opportunity because of Elsie here, but you need to show me that you are capable and hard-working.”

“I look forward to it. You will not regret hiring me.” I glance briefly at her, giving a hint of a smile before lowering my gaze.

“Away with you both.” She claps her hands. “I have much to do. I’ve dallied far too long already.”

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