The sound of footsteps echoed through the dark house. Aria lay on the cold floor, still bound by Mara's unseen chains. Her body ached from the witch's magical attack, but her heart hurt worse. Elena was living, but she hated her.
"Get up."
Aria's head snapped up. Elena stood in the doorway, but something had changed. Her blonde hair was longer now, reaching her waist like spun gold. Her blue eyes burned with rage instead of tears. She looked older, stronger, dangerous.
"I said get up!" Elena's voice cracked like a whip.
The magical bonds around Aria suddenly vanished. She struggled to her feet, her legs shaking. "Elena, please listen to me—"
"Don't you dare say my name!" Elena stepped into the room, power swirling around her like lightning. "You lost the right to call me sister when you tried to murder me."
"I never tried to hurt you!" Aria reached out frantically. "I loved you. I still love you."
