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When he tried to fend off the shark, his arms wouldn’t obey his command.

When he tried to shout at Dima, his lips didn’t part and no sound formed.

“I think that’s a compromise. Now, prince. I want to make one thing extremely clear to you, and to your princess here. I give the orders. I’m in control. One way or another, you will reverse the curse.” She snapped her fingers, sending tiny bubbles upward. Anger filled his chest, but he couldn’t release it. Couldn’t fight. “Sit over here.”

She pointed to a mound of rocks and coral. The shark wiggled backwards, releasing him.

His first instinct was to conjure up power and magic, but his body did not listen. Instead, he moved against his will to perch on the ledge as Dima demanded.

Like one of her pets.

Aria struggled against the bindings, her mouth opening in a soundless scream as she fought. Her battle filled him with pride while he shouted and roared inside. His powers, elemental threads, coiled and curled and knotted deep in his gut and throughout his chest.

Dima circled him, raking her claws through his hair. “I think the little princess there knows what’s in store for her.” She laughed. “I gave her a preview while she slept.”

Trapped inside his own body, Caspian’s thoughts froze in horror.

Aria thrashed violently as Dima swam toward her, the kelp repositioning her body horizontally.

She woke from a nightmare, and he never asked about it.

And he delivered her right back into that nightmare.

Dear gods, help me.