Chapter 39

Winter’s POV

After dawn broke the next day, Eliza and I set out, walking through the hallway of the castle. We were on a mission to find someone who would serve as my assistant in the innermost chambers. Eliza would have been my first choice, but I needed someone with greater knowledge and expertise who would be more suitable for the role.

“I’m anxious about this, Eliza,” I admitted on our way.

Eliza, who was holding up a lantern to light our way, answered softly, “I feel it, too. But I know deep down that we’re going to win this.”

Her positive words made me feel a little better.

“I know Dorra would also want to try her best on this,” I remarked, “I mean, it’s a competition with me of all people.”

“She can try all she wants,” Eliza said confidently.

I chuckled, and my laughter bounced off the ancient stone walls of the castle, echoing through the corridor. It was a needed release of the mounting pressure of what it was I was walking i