Page 125 of Queen’s Gambit

Chapter 35

Roksana

Iwoke from my dream with a shiver to find cold, wet fingers wrapped around my ankle. My fingers sketched a spell, and flames appeared over my palm, illuminating the semi-transparent shape at the bottom of the bed.

It was a woman, her body shimmering like water. She pointed at me, then gestured for me to follow. I glanced at Rey. For a man who could wake, sword in hand, at the first sign of trouble, he was unnaturally relaxed, but still breathing.

‘Is he safe?’ I asked, and she nodded.

‘A small enchantment. He’ll sleep till dawn,’ she answered.

I slid off the bed and hurried into my clothes. It was time to repay another debt, and whether it was Vodnik or Jurata, I’d received my summons.

An icy sea breeze buffeted my kirtle, making me regret not bringing a shawl or my dragon. The water spirit led me along a goat track down a steep hill. The sea roared below, waves slamming into the lip of a cave in the distance. I was too focused on putting one foot in front of the other to look down or to think about what would happen once we got there.

The full moon illuminated the grotto, revealing it was tidal in nature.

‘I hope you know that if the tide comes, I’ll drown in that cave,’ I said, but the water spirit only chuckled, waving me onward.

‘My mistress holds your future in her hands. Remember your oath,’ she said. I swallowed hard, and the faint hope Jurata would be merciful flickered out.

‘Fine,’ I muttered with a shrug, but my courage faded at the sight of the three figures standing by a small fire. I fought every impulse to turn away and run.

As if on command, they turned to look at me.

‘Come, child. There is nowhere you can run. You are in my realm now,’ the woman spoke, and a wave hit my back, sending me deeper into the grotto. I landed sprawled on my stomach, spluttering and coughing.

‘That was unnecessary,’ the Leshy snapped, and a warm, pine-scented breeze enveloped me, drying my clothes.

I scrambled onto my knees, looking up. My grandfather was the only one whose gaze held a semblance of sympathy. Jurata’s silhouette was hazy and indistinct, her green hair swaying on invisible currents.

‘My lady of the sea. Thank you for your invitation.’ I greeted her with a deep bow, wary of offending the Sea Goddess in her own domain.

The last being was a man with tanned, weathered skin and dark hair. His black eyes pinned me to the floor, his stony stare brimming with unfathomable power. My breath caught when he tilted his head, and for a moment my soul was naked before an endless, deathless void.

His name came with the kiss of death, raising goosebumps across my skin, and Veles, the god of the underworld, smiled and nodded.

‘Oh shit…’ I muttered. ‘Why are you here?’

‘Are you pretending not to know? You took what’s mine, little Vila. And I want it back,’ Veles answered.

‘No!’ I snapped, and the god raised his eyebrows.

‘Stand up, Roksana. There’s no need for this,’ Leshy said, beckoning me closer, but I remained on my knees, eyeing Veles.

‘No. Please. He’s mine.’ I could charm the forest and bargain with the sea, but no one cheated death.

‘Almost no one, little Vila. That’s why I’m here. You crossed a line only gods can touch, and even we face consequences,’ Veles explained.

Can he hear my thoughts?

‘I can. We all can. Your soul is an open book to us.’

Was this some kind of judgement? My thoughts drifted to Ernesto Tivala, to all the deaths I’d caused, to Tova’s hand, to Lily’s resurrection, to…

I was royally screwed.

Veles smiled. ‘Tivala was a nice touch. Quite unexpected for a child of life. The darkness inside you is delightful. The rest was… a tribute, all except the dwarf.’