Winter Moon (Jelsa)

Chapter 22: Elsa

It had been nearly a week since Elise's death. There had been no strange attacks or weird possessions. 

I was starting to think I might actually have a good time. 

If I stayed.

However, I had solid evidence that there was a god after me and running seemed like my best choice. I was in the middle of drafting a letter to Iduna, informing her that I wished to return.

"There you are! You're always in the library," a bright voice complained. 

I jerked up to spot Rapunzel watching me from the other side of the desk I was sitting at.

"Well, I've been doing research," I hedged. It was true. After Jack told me about the fifth god, I had taken to reading old lore and history, in hopes of discovering something about him. I was yet to find anything so far.

"What are you doing now?" Rapunzel asked, trying to read the letter upside down.

"Nothing," I said quickly, covering the letter with a fresh piece of paper. I didn't want her to know that I was leaving. It made me feel guilty.

I hated to admit it, but Rapunzel was my friend. Or at least the beginning of one. I didn't want to tell her I was leaving, because I knew she would be upset.

"Well, then, if you're not doing anything, come with me!" Rapunzel danced off down the hall towards the exit.

"Where are we going?" I asked, shoving my things into my bag. I would finish the letter later.

"Our room," she took off, darting out of the library and on to the skybridge that would take us to the girl's dormitory.

The sun was just setting, staining the sky shades of dusky pink and sultry orange. The city looked brilliant in the light, like it retained the beauty of the sky itself. This was more lovely than any sunset I had seen out my window in Arendelle.

Anna would have loved it.

A shock jolted through me at the thought.

I ripped my gaze from the sky and hurried after Rapunzel. 

~ ~ ~

"Try this one on," Rapunzel commanded, holding up the dress.

It was barely longer than a shirt, falling to mid-thigh. Iduna would have been scandalized. 

I laughed. "It's too improper."

"Nonsense. There's probably one even shorter than this in here," Rapunzel gestured towards the pile of dresses on her bed. She had bought them all earlier today, and was just now trying them on. I was 'helping' her.

I shook my head adamantly, feeling myself blush.

"Okay. I'll put it on," she decided, and hurried into the bathroom.

The door clicked shut behind her, and I glanced out the window again. 

Suddenly, a chuckle echoed through the room, sinister and malicious. 

I sat bolt upright, glancing left and right.

"Rapunzel?" I ventured. I listened, and heard a light footstep.

I heard the laugh again. It was masculine. My stomach tightened, and I balled my hands into fists, feeling my magic rally.

Then, darkness poured into my vision, surrounding me utterly. I shrieked, flailing wildly. 

Something pinched my neck. I gasped, feeling oddly light-headed. 

"Help," I croaked weakly, as the world went still.

And in the darkness, I thought I heard a voice.

"Hello, my darling," it said.