Chapter 2

Chapter 2

I lay on the cold dungeon floor, hungry and shivering. Rats and other insects roamed freely around the cell. I had no idea how many days had passed. I barely knew if it was day or night. There was no window in the cell, and the only source of light came from a lantern hanging from the ceiling.

I longed to get out of here—to see the light again and find a way to escape this tribe. To walk freely without being scorned by those around me. But my father wouldn't let me leave this place until I agreed to his offer. Not that he needed my approval—he had already locked me away, waiting for the day the Chief would come to take me to his land. He hadn't even considered the consequences of his actions. What if the Chief killed me the moment I arrived? I wouldn't be safe there. I wasn't even safe here.

I shivered as goosebumps prickled my skin. I was getting sick from staying in this damp, freezing cell. Couldn't they at least give me a blanket?

I was so cold that my teeth chattered. The only person who made sure I was fed was Siggy. She gossiped with me about my father's plans, how he was preparing for the wedding.

My wedding to the Chief of Vigrid village. I felt both anger and hurt swell within me.

Ingrid visited my cell, and as always, she taunted me. She took pleasure in the thought of me being gone. I never once saw my mother's face. Not that I wanted to.

The sound of approaching footsteps pulled me from my thoughts, and I quickly stood. The door creaked open, and two guards stepped inside. Without a word, they grabbed my arms and dragged me out of the cell.

"Where are you taking me?" I demanded.

"Be quiet!" one of the guards barked.

I didn't know if I should feel relieved that I was finally leaving this dark, freezing dungeon or afraid of what awaited me.

One of the guards yanked my arm harder, making me groan in pain.

"Move faster!"

If only my power could awaken and strike them down. But I didn't want it to—I knew what it brought. Death. The last time my powers surfaced was during a gathering in my father's hall. I had accidentally killed two Elders.

My father ordered me to be whipped in front of everyone while they mocked me.

As we emerged from the dungeon, sunlight hit my eyes, making me squeeze them shut. It had been days since I had seen the light, and it took a moment for my vision to adjust. I blinked rapidly, and soon, I could make out where they were taking me.

We were inside the house. My room.

The guards pushed the door open and shoved me inside. I stumbled, nearly falling before catching myself.

"Look who has returned," came Ingrid's sly voice. "You look awful, Freydis."

I lifted my head slowly, locking eyes with her. She looked just like me—our features nearly identical. But while mine were sharp, hers were soft, giving her an air of innocence. Yet Ingrid was far from innocent. She was the devil herself.

I gritted my teeth. "What do you want?"

She rose from the bed, flashing me a smug smile. "What do I want? Today is your wedding."

"What?"

"Chief Rollo has arrived. The ceremony begins soon," she said. Two maids stood beside her mattress.

"I will not marry him."

"Be useful for once, Freydis," she spat, her expression turning hard. "You should be grateful a man is willing to take you."

"You want me to wed a monster? His tribe has slaughtered our people!"

"You suit him," she sneered.

I clenched my jaw, forcing back the tears threatening to spill. No. I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of seeing me break.

"I would sooner die than be with him."

"Then perhaps I should kill you myself," she said with a smile.

I frowned.

Ingrid stepped closer. "It doesn't have to be like this. Just marry him and bring peace to our land."

"Does Father hate me so much that he would send me to my death?"

"Oh, spare me," she scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You make it seem as though the Chief is some kind of terror. I've met him, and he's exactly as Father described—kind and gentle."

"Then marry him yourself."

Her expression darkened. "Do you think Father agreed to this marriage for no reason? If something goes wrong, you will suffer. Not me."

My hands clenched into tight fists. I wanted to hit her, to wipe that smug expression off her face. But I had no strength left. The guards had refused to let Siggy bring me food for days.

Even when the maids approached and led me to the bathing chamber, I couldn't fight them off. All I could do was cry silently as they prepared me for my wedding.