I look at the blade, then look at the dead guards just outside before returning my gaze to Eneko.
Kill him.
Kill the man who plucked me out of the yards and forced me on my back. Kill the man who hurt and tore at me, subjecting me to a life of ridicule and humiliation.
The words swirl around me, and then, adrenaline rushing through my veins, I take the blade.
“I’ve never killed… anything,” I say.
My mate straightens. “Then you will take this blade and free yourself forever. No more anger, no more fear. Let his death herald your future."
I blink, step forward, and take the weapon.
Ra'Sa makes a deep, rumbling sound, and the stones around us quake.
As he had that first night in Enduvida, Ra’Sa begins to sing. His chest puffs out, and he lets out one long, sustained note. It bounces off the rocks around him, a rough, guttural cry. It is like the strike of a drum.
Freedom.
I raise the blade. I think of everything he taught me. To slash and swipe. To plunge deep through the ribs. I think of every time Eneko had used me. Each memory flies before me in rapid-fire succession. I'd done it all to save my family, but let the pain and anger mount.
And now... freedom lies before me.
"Melisa…" Eneko wheezes.
My hand strikes quick and true, plunging the stone blade straight into his throat.
He makes a gurgling noise, and I push away from him with a loud cry. Eneko slumps forward. I watch the life drain from his body as his blood flows from his wounds.
Ra’Sa’s hand pulls the knife from his throat and hands it to me as he wraps his arm around me. I hiss as the cuts along my body burn.
"You're hurt," Ra'Sa comments, tearing off the blanket, keeping my body free of the chill settling in my bones. I shake in the intense heat, fueled further by the spiraling adrenaline.
He looks furious at each wound, but I shake my head and push away from him and toward the closet. I start pulling on my warmest clothing.
"Where is Hibsej?" I ask.
He looks at me grimly, and I see her sons’ faces. "Did you kill her?"
He shakes his head. "I don't think so."
Fear spikes in my heart, and I pull on the clothes, burning cuts and splinters be damned.
"Dress and take me to her," I demand.
Once clothed, we sprint around the side of the house. A rasping breath breaks through the still night.
I see a giant woman lying near a tree. Hibsej. Her chest rises and falls, and I dash to her side. The front door of the house is open, and soft sobs are coming from inside.
"Fuck," I curse. I turn back to Ra'Sa, "Get them to stop crying. And ensure they don't wander to the backyard. I will deal with Hibsej."
Ra'Sa frowns but follows my instructions.
Alone in the snow, I cross to Eneko's widow. I kneel next to her, rubbing feeling into my now gloved hands just as snow begins to drift down from the heavens. My breath clouds in front of me, as does hers. I shake her arm roughly.
No wounds, but she doesn't move.
"Come on, you stubborn bitch," I say, shaking her more vigorously this time.