Yasmin:

She knew it was the one when she saw the pool. It glittered like the multitude of shallow grooves of water in the cavern but it was somehow different. It realized who they were and called to them.

"Orion!" She gasped, scurrying haphazardly over the rocks to get to the Fontana Oblove.

Orion scrambled after her, breathing heavy when he reached her side.

"You scared me half to death," he said in a low voice. She waved off his concern.

"I'm in one piece, aren't I?"

"Don't jest about death, Yasmin." The grave note in his tone made Yasmin straighten. She tossed her hair over her shoulder when she heard heavy footfalls from the entrance of the cavern. She sniffed the air and panic shot through her gut.

They're here. 

"We're so close, Orion. We cannot submit now."

"I'll protect you. Trust me," his voice held a note of finality and Yasmin continued to observe the pool, scanning the glimmering liquid. It seemed almost alive, urging for her to drink its tantalizing waters. Yasmin reached her hands out, forming a cup to scoop the water to her mouth.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." A low, feminine voice said from somewhere behind her. She growled and withdrew her hands, pivoting to see a stunning girl with oaken hair and golden eyes. She looked like a lion, maybe even fiercer. From the raging fire in her eyes, Yasmin knew she wasn't going to let them off easily. 

"Brother," Orion said respectfully, but Yasmin could sense a tinge of growl in his voice. A warning clear as any day. Kodiak stopped behind the woman, the shroud of defensiveness a clear hint.

But it was the man running towards her that made her gape.

"Eithan?" She whispered, tears sparking in her eyes. 

"I'm here, Yas. Always," he breathed, sweeping her into a bone crushing hug.

"I missed you," she murmured into his shoulder, meaning every word. Eithan was her favorite brother and always would be. 

"Not more than I missed you." 

"While this is a lovely, heart-wrenching moment, I'm afraid we're going to have to leave now." Yasmin ducked under her brother's arms and glared at the woman.

"And what makes you think we're coming with you?" She asked icily, inflicting the tone that stunned most people in their step.

But not this woman.

"Drinking from the Fontana Oblove is an irreversible mistake." She said, voice carrying through the spaced chamber.

"I don't believe you."

"I'm not saying you have to. I'm saying you cannot drink that water. If you truly want your freedom, come with us." Yasmin scoffs. 

"Who do you think you are?"

"That is of no consequence. What I do know is that Fontana Oblove's water will bring ruin to your life. If you think you were caged before, you will be now."

"She's right, sister," Eithan said earnestly. "We met someone who had drunk the water. She is alone and her life is wrecked. She was so desolate." His eyes hooded. 

"I'm not going back," she hissed to him. "I will not submit to Father's will." Yasmin's blood boiled, her mind flashing painfully back to the torture she had to endure at her father's hands. She would do anything to not go back. All she wanted was to live with the man she loved. Why could she not have that one simple thing?

"If you would just listen-"

"No." She bit out the word right before diving towards the pool. She would get the freedom she deserved, no matter what it took. 

But she just crashed to parched rock. Her breath fled her lungs and she lay stunned on the jagged surface of basalt. Orion skidded to a stop next to her and bent, running his hands frantically over her aching body.

"Yasmin, stay with me," he roared, pressing her chest. She spluttered a breath, rasping and dry. But a breath all the same. He wilted and gathered her in his arms, breathing into the tender skin at the crook of her skin.

"You foolish woman," he whispered hoarsely into her neck. 

Reality came crashing down and she jerked out of his arms, looking around. Where had the water gone? She had seen it just moments ago and when she landed, it wasn't there. What kind of sorcery was this? She turned to see the mysterious woman with her hands above her head. The water of Fontana Oblove funneled, a cyclone above her head. She stared at Yasmin expectantly and Yasmin realized in horror what she planned to do. With a snap of her fingers the water evaporated, as if it were never there.

"No!" She shrieked, falling to the floor. Her knees hit the rough stone and the skin broke, but she hardly noticed. It was gone. Her one chance, the one opportunity at having a peaceful life was gone in a blink of a minute. And it was all her fault.

She looked up at the woman, seething, almost foaming at the mouth.

"You heartless wench," she snarled. Kodiak moved in front of her but the woman put her hand on his forearm, stopping his movement. She merely watched, unperturbed, as Yasmin spewed out her hateful words. Yasmin's fire spluttered, faltered, and finally died. She slumped in Orion's arms, feeling helplessly weak.

"Are you done yelling?" The woman asked.

"Not even close."

"Not unexpected," she chuckled to herself, and moved towards Orion. "I know how you feel, Yasmin." 

Yasmin threw back her head and laughed.

"How could you know what I'm possibly going through?" She gasped through her laughter.

"Because I know what it's like to be in love. I feel your desperation. But I can't help you if you don't come with me." Confusion made her frown as she looked up at the woman.

"I don't understand you."

"You don't need to," she put simply. "But I need you to trust me." Yasmin stiffened, tension weaving through her muscles. 

"You want me to trust the person who wants to drag me back to that hellhole?" 

"Yes." 

"Yas, I think we should go with them." Orion said softly in her ear. She twisted to stare at him, awestruck.

"You believe her?"

"I do." A small smile pasted itself on his lips. "I think she's telling the truth." Yasmin blew her cheeks out and begrudgingly waved for the woman to continue.

"As I was going to say, my mission is to bring you the woods. But that's it. I'll bring you inside but you won't have to go back to your clans." Yasmin gaped at her, running over the plan in her head. It was actually brilliant but she would never admit that out loud. 

"How will you do anything? You have no power whatsoever." Yasmin pointed out, sulking. 

"I have magic and my brother is on the Council." Yasmin's head shot up and her eyes widened. She didn't let the hope fester but she nodded.

"Lead the way. But if you betray me, I will flay you alive." The woman smiled warmly.

"I'd expect nothing less."