***ESTHER***

The night grew heavy and dark. The cold pressed down on my skin and made breathing difficult. The moonlight lit a faint light that showed mists over the castle building. I clutched my lantern tighter, its flickering light was the only thing between me and the dark.

Every step I took felt wrong and the rustling of leaves sounded like a whisper telling me to go back.

I know I shouldn’t have been out here. Not at this hour. Not in this place.

But a mother will walk through hell for ...