“s**t!” The curse ripped from Lyralei’s throat as pure shock and terror slammed into her chest.
She splashed backward, her feet slipping on the smooth stone beneath the water. Her arms windmilled as she tried to catch her balance, nearly stumbling out of the pool entirely before she remembered with horrifying clarity that she was completely naked.
She spun around in panic, water sloshing everywhere, trying to cover herself while simultaneously searching for escape routes that didn’t exist.
The voice chuckled again, low and amused. “This is different,” it said, each word dripping with mockery. “Where’s that fiery lady from earlier? The crazy one who challenged me at every turn?”
Lyralei’s blood ran cold as recognition hit her.
No. No, no, no. f**k no!
Steam parted like a curtain being
