VALERIA

I thought about the possibility of him removing the heavy chain from my ankle. It seemed enchanted, and I was certain it was draining all my energy.

I wasn’t so lucky—he didn’t release me. Instead, our steps led us to the double glass doors that opened onto a small balcony.

My eyes widened in awe as I looked out into the night. We were high up, in an ancient castle perched on a mountain surrounded by snow and a frozen lake.

In the distance, dark walls stretched out, shrouded in cold air