Both Alaric and Emerald turned to look at her in unison. A chill ran down Yngrid's spine.
Emerald tilted her head, voice dangerously calm. "Miss Yngrid, you seem to have forgotten your place. Do you really think you have the right to speak here?"
Yngrid's chest tightened. She had no idea what else Emerald was capable of.
Emerald finally released her, tossing her hair aside. Yngrid collapsed onto the sand, her body limp and fragile-looking, like a broken doll.
"Alaric, I can explain," she gasped. "I just— I love you too much. Knowing you're with her—I was jealous, I just couldn't stand it, so—"
Alaric's gaze was unreadable.
"So your solution," Emerald cut in coldly, "was to drag me through the mud?"
Emerald reappeared behind Yngrid, twirling a rope in his hand with a wicked grin. "Relax. This way, I won't feel any guilt when I take my revenge."
Yngrid's stomach twisted with fear. She stumbled back. "Stay away! Get away from me! Alaric—help me! Save me!"
