I died on the cold stones of a Church dungeon, my flesh torn by lightning whips while my family comforted my foster sister.
So I made a deal at the Soul Store.
I gave away my ability to love in exchange for rebirth.
When I woke up at eighteen, I didn't scream. I didn't cry.
I threw my brother’s prized gift into the dirt, packed my bags, and moved into the academy dorms.
I watched with dead eyes as my “loving” family crumbled into madness.
Now, my brother is tearing his own face off in despair.
My fiancé is begging on his knees in the mud.
And my parents are crying blood, begging their daughter to come home.
Too bad. A frozen heart feels no pity.
But just as I thought I was doomed to live in the dark forever, Jace pulled me close against the howling mountain winds.
“Smile, Anna. I won the bet.”
