VALTOR

“I’ll go to my chambers to wash. See you later at dinner,” Winter said as we reached the great hall of the castle.

I nodded, offering a smile, and we parted ways. Yet my gaze lingered on her retreating figure as she ascended the staircase.

To anyone else, she looked perfectly fine. But I can feel the quiet weight pressing on her thoughts, something has troubled her since we returned from our walk. But if I asked, she would smile and deflect, insisting everything was fine.

The ...