Brannagh settled into my mind like an oily spider. It felt like her presence seeped into my soul, contaminating everything she touched. It was somehow worse than what I'd imagined from the few times Rhysand had shown his skills in the mind. This was no flirtatious demonstration; it was a violation of the very core of my being.

I could feel her moving around in my mind, riffling through my memories for useful information. Desperately, I began to build walls around my most precious memories and any that could

She stretched my arms in front of her, feeling the weakness in my limbs, "It will take a few days before she is healed enough to be capable of fighting," she said, her body and mine speaking eerily in unison.

Brannagh made no attempt to spare me from the pain her movements and I writhed helplessly within my own mind.

"We can remove the curse now so her magic is released under Brannagh's control, " Hybern said casually to Dagdan, as though they were discussing the weather. "This has already delayed our progress enough. I'm needed in the Summer Court." He turned and walked away briskly.

Dagdan spoke to Brannagh, "I'll begin preparations for our journey tomorrow. Make sure you have complete control." I shivered when I realized that they were speaking through their link and I could hear it through Brannagh's presence in my head.

Brannagh laughed silkily, "She was already broken before we began—this is child's play."

Part of me flinched at the truth of her words. It was hard to tell what had finally ripped apart the still healing pieces of my soul. Was it the first knife I'd plunged into that fae's heart? Or the knowledge that Rhys wouldn't be coming to save me this time? That he wasn't looking for me.

At first light, we began the long process of winnowing into the Night Court. We traveled light and they forced me to carry most of load despite my still healing injuries. My back was a mass of raw meat and my muscles trembled with each step. Only Brannagh's control over my mind kept me from collapsing in the dirt.

Why Hybern hadn't killed me became clear when we reached the edge of the Day Court. The twins needed my presence to get through the barriers that Rhysand had so carefully created to protect his people. It was devastating to see how completely Rhys had trusted me to do the same. Nothing stopped us as we moved further into his territory.

I moved fitfully against the barriers within my own mind that prevented me from being able to control my body and my powers. With Hybern's curse lifted, I could feel the kernel of starlight and power flowing through me but Brannagh ensured that I couldn't access it.

They stopped early each night, commanding my body to sleep in order to speed up the healing process and to ensure I was unable to fight back against Brannagh when she slept. Each night I fought as hard as I could against the compulsion before succumbing to the darkness. Each night, I was able to hold out a little longer.

I spent my days trying to hide as much useful information from Brannagh as I could. I also listened hard to each of their conversations for anything useful for the war. All I managed to learn was that Brannagh hated the bold and they were much more involved with each other than any brother or sister should be.

Each time we winnowed closer to the Night Court's stronghold, my panic and longing grew. Rhysand, Rhysand! He was so close and he didn't even know I was alive. I could only imagine the horror and agony he'd experienced when they'd brought the body to him…

I'm coming for you, Rhys. I'll always come back for you.

Brannagh laughed out loud, "She's still trying to talk to the High Lord. Isn't that sweet?" She walked closer to me and forced me to look at her, "From what I hear, he's already moving on…"

I tried to pull my head away, but she wouldn't let me, "Rhys would never do that!"

"Poor loyal mongrel…You're forgetting Rhysand's delightful past. There are so many females who have been waiting for this opportunity sine the fall of Amarantha. After all," she said coyly, "once a whore, always a whore."

Rage rose in me like a tidal wave, nearly choking me with its intensity. Brannagh took a step back and I saw a look of alarm and surprise flicker across her face a moment before I saw the water wolf appear by my side.

Fighting her control, I took a shaky step forward with a snarl of triumph. Brannaugh flinched and moved out of my reach, renewing her attacks within my mind. Blood trickled from one of my nostrils but I refused to let her stop me. She. Had. To. Die.

A roar ripped from my chest as I channeled my magic towards the daemati but was cut short as a vicious blow struck me from behind. My body collapsed painfully into the snow and I tried desperately to continue moving forward. This was my chance! I couldn't let her roll me again…

Despite all my efforts, darkness swallowed me as my strength finally gave way.

I woke up to the sensation of being cradled in a familiar couch and the scent of home. For a moment, I kept my eyes closed enjoying the relief that the nightmare was over. I was back in the mountain cabin with Rhysand. Surrounded by my paintings and memories of my mate bond, I was finally home. I was safe.

I reached for the mate bond and froze as I realized there was only silence.

"It's cute watching the hope die in her time and time again," Brannagh said from a few feet away and I felt the wash of her power move through my mind, taking my will with it. "Such a nice little cabin too. Thanks for showing us where it was…it'll make the perfect place to invade the Night Court from.

My eyes opened and looked over to where Brannagh sat across from me with Dagdan standing behind her like a hulking shadow. I sat up stiffly, Brannagh's brow furrowed with effort, " That was not nice, Feyre. Did you think you could get away with that?" she asked irritably.

She stopped at the sound of banging at the door and my heart leapt in my throat. Rhysand? Mor? I tried to rush to the door but Brannagh kept me in place as it burst open.

And there he was. Standing in the doorway with snow sweeping in from the winds outside and night surrounding him like a cloak. Rhysand.

I froze, heart in my throat at the whispers of night and magic that curled around me. Closing my eyes, I breathed in the scent of jasmine and citrus and waited for the tears to pass before getting to my feet, Dagdan and Brannagh forgotten.

He stood, stiff and angry but with his trademark smirk curling one side of his mouth, "Hello, Feyre darling."

Rhysand looked more haggard than I'd ever seen him, worse than when he'd been forced under the mountain, worse than when he continued to let me return to the Spring Court.

Suddenly it was easier to breathe and my heart seemed to race and sing, Rhys, Rhys! The world around me seemed to come into focus, colors brightened and I could see my next painting clearly. I'd call it Joy.

I stumbled forward and he met me halfway in a rush of warm skin and true happiness and suddenly I couldn't stop crying, "Rhys. Rhys, you're here. You came." I sobbed, whispering his name like a prayer.

Gently he pulled me away from his body and tilted my chin up so he could look me over. A flicker of darkness entered his eyes as he whispered, "Feyre darling…how long have you been working against me?"

I opened my mouth to refuse and try to explain but he just shook his head, leaning in closer so his lips brushed my ear, "I'll never forgive you, Feyre."

Then he stabbed me.