ISOLDE

Curiosity clawed at my mind as I stood. The guard’s hands shook while he tore away the thick black wrapping around the box. The sound of the rip echoed faintly in the hall.

The lid lifted.

A foul smell exploded into the air, thick and metallic, so strong that it hit the back of my throat. My hand flew to cover my nose, and Elsa turned sharply away.

“What the hell is that?” Felda’s voice carried that sweet concern she always wore, but the way her nose wrinkled told me it ...