Knots formed in Anastasia's stomach as horror seeped in her veins. "Wh— what do you mean?"
"The pills were given to suppress your magic, but you were too powerful, Ana. Normal chains could never bind and Maple wanted to whip you for all your punishments." She cackled again, tapping her nose. "Poor Maple. She did all that I asked her to do. I was the one who gave her these special chains to bind you, so that she could whip you. Your blood—" she smacked her lips. "I loved the scent of your blood the day I saw you first."
Anastasia shuddered. "When did you see me first?"
The witch looked at her with her obsidian, gloomy eyes. Ignoring her question, she said, "Your taste is full of power, fae princess." Her voice was like many people speaking over a gravely path. "Ancient blood mixed with cold winds and fresh pure snow."
Gods.
