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 and a dense, dark fog that blanketed the sky.

"Since you’re taking it all in, why not have a look at our guests in the plaza?" he murmured in my ear, his hand controlling my head.

My black hair blew in the strong winds from the heights, along with the thin nightgown that offered no protection against the freezing temperatures.

"No, no..." was all I could manage when I saw, far below in a wide stone plaza surrounded by walls, Celine—gagged and tied, her hands bound above her head and nearly hang