Chapter 48 : Rivals

Ayda's POV

"—Better not have died—"

"—hadn't hit her so—"

"—my fault—"

"—what do you thi—"

"—being—child—"

Water, colder than the ice that sometimes capped the mountains to the north of Emerald Lake, splashed me in the face, shocking me to wakefulness.

"Oh, good," Narcissa purred, sitting on a throne. "The simpleton is awake."

We were somewhere in the temple; I could tell from the cold stone and glowing sigils that now seemed to pulse an agitated scarlet. This was different than the room with the effigies of the Goddess. To my left, I saw a flash of flamingo pink ruffles. Callia looked apologetic, holding the bucket she'd upturned on me.

I could see her youngest sister Lilia near where the door was. It looked like Dahlia was holding her back, keeping her away from myself and—

"Ni-Nicolette!" My throat was a sandpapery hush ripping at my vocal cords. "Ni-Ni-Nicolette!"

"For the Goddess's sake, WILL YOU PLEASE SHUT UP!?"

I quieted