Gisela’s body writhes as her veins turn black as ink. Bergot holds onto my shoulders while I try to steady my breathing. Gisela’s skin withers and even her hair turns black for a moment until a bright burst of light comes from her skin, and Albert shrinks away into a corner. Gisela’s normal coloring slowly returns. The gorgeous red hair and pale, freckled skin I love so much.
Gisela wriggles and arches her back. She rips the thorny vines from her ankles and wrists with an echoing snap. Swinging her legs over the edge of the slab, Gisela turns to sit and heaves deep breaths. She reaches her arms behind her head and unties the black blindfold. Her eyes squint into the light of the candles and fire. Rubbing her face and adjusting the crown of bones, Gisela slides off the table, slams the staff to the ground, and hangs her head.
From under her brows, Gisela looks around the room and pauses when she spots me. Her green eyes catch me in their gaze and scan me up and down. A slow grin spreads across her face.