Frosted Torment (Marked Mortals Saga #1)

Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12

I raised an eyebrow, then whirled around, checking each side of me. “What is it?”

Rocks bounced along the ground as something trotted up behind me, and I felt a nudge in the middle of my spine that pushed me forward. I fell knees-first into the dirt. Hot breath seeped through my jeans, and a yelp escaped my throat. A low growl positioned at the nape of my neck provided a warning if I moved.

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 I sensed 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?

A warm sensation moved through my body. The excruciating pain in my head started to dissipate, and I wiggled my fingers and toes. My body soon relaxed into the mattress.

I turned to rub my arm, and Nakoma came into focus. He wore aqua-colored medical scrubs and clung to a stethoscope with slim fingers. The smooth, rich brown tone of his skin accentuated the lines of his muscles and chiseled jaw. And his long black hair was pulled back into a braided pony-tail.

His soft chestnut eyes penetrated mine, refusing to let go. I slunk back from him as he observed me. They all wanted what I had, but I didn’t know how to reach it. Within two days, I became part of a world I never knew existed and was uncertain about my future in it. How would I ever protect myself?

“Rest, Noa. I’ll be back to check on you later,” he stated with a pat on my arm.

As the door closed, a heavy silence settled in the room. I was alone, trapped in the darkness with only my racing thoughts for company. My purpose, whatever it entailed, weighed heavily on my mind, casting shadows of doubt and fear.

I tried to steady my breathing, willing myself to remain calm amidst suffocating uncertainty. But the grip of anxiety tightened around my heart, along with slumber. The unknown can be a cruel companion when facing the prospect of death.