Time can slow down.

Scientifically-logically-that's impossible. But there are moments, even seconds, that seem to span an eternity.

When I was a little girl, time didn't just slow down. It stopped as ice hit my sister. And now, years later, I stare at her, at the white stripe in her beautiful hair and at the jagged spikes of ice separating us.

Horror, disgust and fear pass through Anna's eyes. She steps back, my glove limp in her hand.

"Elsa?" Her voice breaks.

I want to explain; I want to apologize, but it is too late.

They've already seen the monster behind the girl. My first day as queen and I have failed.

Ice burns through my veins and penetrates my heart. I step away from the crowded, murmuring ballroom. My hand hits the door behind me.

I'm sorry. I choke on the apology. But no words can erase what I've done or who I am.

I push the door open and run, Anna calling after me.

**

I lay on the floor of my castle of ice. My blue dress spreads around me. I fold my fingers around the satin and try to forget.

But my song still echoes through the snow-covered mountains and my heart shudders in my chest, like a butterfly trapped in a jar, its wings beating against the glass.

What have I done?

As soon as the question flickers through my mind, I hear a loud knock on my door.

Who could that be? Anna? How did she find me so quickly?

Relief and fear battle inside me. I pull myself up and walk towards the door; my steps slow and shaky.

My cape drags behind me. I lift my bare hand and press my fingers against the door.

Years of regret and pain wash over me. All those times Anna knocked and I didn't answer. Now that she knows my secret, I have no excuse. For the first time in forever I can open the door instead of walking away.

But my sister is not on the other side.

In her place towers a dark stranger. His drawn, gray face turns my way. His black attire stands out against the white snow and golden sunset.

Unnatural yellow eyes burn into mine. His lips stretch into a thin smile. "Hello, my little Snow Queen."

"Who are you?" I should be scared, but I know that I can protect myself. The lofty castle I stand in is proof enough.

The stranger bows his head slightly. "I am the King of Nightmares."

I blink. "Pardon me?"

"Most call me Pitch Black."

The sunset fades behind him and the moon creeps into the sky, dragging darkness with it. My unexpected visitor jerks his yellow eyes away from the moon.

He pushes past me and closes the door behind us.

I scramble away from him and hold out my hands. "I don't know who you are, but you will leave right away or I will hurt you. Believe me, I can. I'm more powerful than I look."

"I know, I know, my Snow Queen. But you will not attack me."

"Yes, I will. Leave before I do." Magic strains against my skin. I am desperate to knock this intruder to the ground.

Before I can, he says, "Do you know why you can see me?" He stalks around me and taps his fingers together. "It is because you know fear."

"I am not scared of you." I straighten my back and lift my head, but my voice trembles. And he hears it.

"If you did not fear me, you would not be able to see me. I am not here to attack you. I want to help you."

He moves forward and I take a step back. "I don't need your help."

"You do if you want to see your sister again."

Anger burst through me. Ice shatters from my fingertips.

The man, Pitch Black, disappears and materializes behind me. My ice falls uselessly against the wall. His long, slender fingers press against my neck. "Shh...Be quiet and rest. When you wake we will have much work to do."

Darkness closes around my vision and I slump forward. I slip into unconsciousness. One thought, one word, one name beats through me.

Anna.