Wolfsbane Winter by Jane Fletcher Page A

anger that had greeted her when she first woke flared to fresh heights.
    “About time.”
    “I’m sorry. It wasn’t where I thought it was.”
    At the sound of the new voice, the terror erupted, obliterating everything else. The soft whimpering became a half-scream.
    “She’s awake.”
    “Good. She needs to drink this.”
    Alana’s eyes flew open. A barrage of faces surrounded her and nearest was Orrin’s. He was holding another goblet to her lips. Alana turned her head aside, ignoring the way sharp motion made the room reel.
    “Hold her head steady.”
    Alana tried to fight, but the panic was so strong it formed iron bands around her chest. Breathing was impossible, and with the resulting dizziness, the ability to resist left her. Honey-sweet liquid filled her mouth. She swallowed because it was less effort than spitting.
    “And now this.” Orrin spoke again.
    Alana felt the weight of cold metal on her throat, and suddenly the monster of emotions took a half-step back. The space was just sufficient to separate herself from the world. She knew who Alana was. She realized that the terrified whimpers had been hers.
    Orrin patted her hand. “There you go. Have another mouthful and then lie down. Once the potion takes effect you’ll feel better.”
    Some small voice warned her not to obey, but Alana could not concentrate enough to work out why. The chaos in her head had eased, and she would willingly do whatever was necessary to make it calm still further. Alana stretched out again on the bed and concentrated on breathing. Slowly, the sharp definition on the emotions in the room became blurred and the roar from the city outside faded to a buzz. The relief was so great it left Alana light-headed.
    Orrin was still holding her hand. “I’m so sorry, my dear.”
    “Na-yer-nor.” Alana’s tongue was too sluggish to move.
    “Don’t try to talk.”
    Alana closed her eyes. She might as well follow the advice, since nobody would understand a word she said. Orrin had done this to her. His presence made her feel ill and she wished he would stop holding her hand, but she lacked the strength to pull away. For now, all she could do was to try ignore him and concentrate on getting her head back together. When she felt better, she would be able to tell her side of things.
    “You’re an empath, a very powerful one, stronger in the talent than has ever been recorded before. I have to admit, I’m amazed. If I’d have known, I would never have—” Orrin broke off with a sorrowful sigh.
    “But you have, haven’t you? What’s going to happen to her now?” The anger inside Reyna burned hotter than Alana would have imagined possible for her placid lover.
    “Yes. That is the question. What next for Alana?”
    “The talisman you’ve given her, she can keep it?” Lady Kyra was a complex knot of ambition, anxiety, and hope.
    “Oh yes, of course. In fact, I insist that she does. She must have it with her at all times, but I fear it can do no more than take the edge off what she is experiencing. The potion I have given her will also help, but it is not safe, and should not be taken over a lengthy period of time. I fear this means she will not be able to continue her life in Ellaye.”
    Although his tone was somber, Orrin was filled to the brim with satisfaction. He took a moment to gather himself for his prepared speech and then let go of Alana’s hand and moved away. “As I have said, your daughter is a very powerful empath.”
    “She can read minds?”
    “In a way, although what she senses are basic emotions rather than exact thoughts, and it is the unfiltered nature of her talent that is the problem. I was right about the barriers she had raised around herself, blocking her talent. But what I had not realized was she’d built them for her own protection.”
    “Why? When?”
    “As for why? Imagine what it must be like, to be bombarded by the raw emotions from everyone around you, without respite. I suspect she