ed Isabell

gs. No gen

ng foyer of her Upper

t a frigid, terrifying expanse of water in a

as silk, dangerous as a razor. "If you want

push

ice-cold water

lia. Retrieve them. You have one hour

fied. "No! Please

hair, remained impassive. "You

behind her,

" I screamed, my

o... to Isabella. She knows best. You ne

r!" I shrieked, wat

ctly manicured hand gripping my

forget Linda. Pass these tests, and you ca

urged through me. I

forward. "Emilia! You

draw blood, child, the water will onl

t through my pani

et

ell, my small body aching, my lungs burning,

just the

brutal physical training.

attic for days for

culously planned for "optimal p

mold

, I was a

s a fractured,

would have eventually destroye

I had a dif

k into that gilded cag

with Mom. I

nd Isabella paid for every sin