Page 66 of Queen’s Gambit

Chapter 19

Roksana

Ifought the hands pulling me to the bottom of the lake as cold seeped into my bones, leaving me weak. Water flooded into my mouth; my lungs burned for air.

My body jerked once, twice, precious bubbles of air escaping my lips. Yet I fought, not ready to die, even as my arms grew heavy, unable to break the rusalki’ insistent grip.

As my vision tunnelled, the hands freed me to float in the green waters—or maybe the water was clear, and the man holding me was green? He bent over, pressing his lips to mine. I tried to turn, but he held me tight, whispering something, and the Aether condensed around me.

I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I pushed the thought to Cinared, hoping he would tell Rey. They would be devastated. I was dying and achieving nothing.

I released the last of the air with a bitter imitation of a laugh.

But when I finally took a breath, water didn’t flood my lungs. I did it again, drawing another breath into my starved body, too shocked to waste this opportunity, to ponder how this was even possible.

‘Welcome to my kingdom, daughter of Dobra. My apologies for my daughters’ rowdiness,’ Vodnik said, while I moved my hands to create more space between us.

‘Rowdiness? My men almost drowned. I almost drowned. I wouldn’t call that rowdiness,’ I snapped, reminding myself too late why I was still breathing.

‘I see. And you almost boiled my lake, though I will say the crystalline lilies are a pleasant addition. What is your name, Little Vila?’ He smiled despite my outburst.

As if lured by our conversation, the rusalki came closer, some even venturing near enough to touch me again. I flinched.

‘Roksana,’ I barked out my name like a curse, glaring at the water maidens while hoping they didn’t try their luck with my friends again. Vodnik followed my gaze.

‘There’s no need for concern. Your men are safe, though frantic.’ He swept his hand through the water above my head, and it cleared. I watched as Irsha dove into the lake while Tova paced the shore.

‘I need to go back.’ I turned to Vodnik, who observed me with unbridled curiosity. ‘What will it take to gain my freedom?’

‘You can start by telling me how you wield dragon fire.’ He moved closer, reaching out. My body tensed, but I allowed his webbed hand to touch my chest. ‘I can see the Primaeval Aether in your core. You’re the daughter of trees and grass; this fire should not exist…’

His voice trailed off, and his eyes became unfocused. When he blinked, an eerie milky-white membrane covered his pupils.

‘I’m bound to a dragon, Cinared. It must be his doing.’

He recoiled as his daughters scattered, circling me through the water.

‘Chosen by the living flame. No wonder you can set the water on fire.’ He crossed his arms over his chest while I assessed the situation.

‘I answered your question. Will you release me now?’ I could breathe, but the icy water posed another danger, slowing my movements and stiffening my joints.

‘You are free to go, but please indulge me. Why did you come here? What is your purpose?’ He kept his distance, studying my face.

‘I have a man to kill, and he’s in Lumivitae. He made the pillars that drain the Aether from the land. I’m trying to stop them.’

Vodnik snarled, and a violent current buffeted me. ‘Is that true? You will destroy this abomination?’

His skin shifted; the soft, mossy green was gone now. His slate-grey body reminded me of a drowned man. The white hair floating around his head turned black, its inky strands whipping in the water.

‘Well, yes,’ I answered, kicking backwards when he propelled himself toward me.

‘Then the water will help. We are everywhere. Every river has its guiding spirit. Every household has its Bannik.’ He was so close. No longer a shepherd of the water but the embodiment of the depths. His magic was an endless whirlpool that could drag me into a frigid grave. My eyes widened as he smiled, exposing his serrated teeth.

‘We’ll spread the word, and all will help, but you must swear, Little Vila. Swear on the trees, on the flame in your heart, that you will destroy the corruption that drains our Aether and pollutes the water. Swear it.’

Deep down, I was sure if I refused, I would never leave this lake alive. My promise could be my demise, but hadn’t I already chosen this path?

‘I give you my word.’ He remained silent, watching, waiting, expecting more.