The dark hand dragged Aria deeper into the freezing pool. Water filled her mouth and nose as Lydia's violet eyes blazed with victory beneath the surface.
"Let her go!" Caden lunged forward, but the water turned solid as ice around his hands.
"You cannot stop what was always meant to be," Lydia's voice echoed from everywhere at once. "Her power belongs to me."
Silver light burst from Aria's fingers, shattering the icy grip. She broke the surface gasping and coughing, but the dead Luna's laughter followed her up.
"This isn't over, little sister. I'll be back for what's mine."
The pool suddenly returned to normal, clear and still. Lydia's presence disappeared like smoke.
"Are you hurt?" Seraphina pulled Aria from the water, wrapping her in warm furs.
"I'm fine. But she's not gone. I can still feel her watching." Aria shivered despite the warmth.
"She's been controlling everything, hasn't she? The threats, the fear, even Liana's betrayal."
