Chapter 66

Winter’s POV

The dowager was dead. The somber news had spread like wildfire throughout the castle. She passed away peacefully in her sleep, and this marked a profound loss for the entire castle, particularly the innermost chambers where she had headed. The atmosphere was one of mourning, and the castle’s inhabitants were dressed in black attire and they gathered inside the praying ground for a candlelit vigil.

I went to the stack of candles, picked one, and then rejoined the assembly. My eyes darted around, searching for Lucas, perhaps even Lordan, but amidst the sea of mourners, they weren’t there.

Lordan’s voice startled me.

“Were you looking for me?”

I gave a faint smile, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Lucas on the other side. Our eyes briefly crossed paths.

The procession commenced, led by the elderly, who were clad in white. They formed a solemn line, walking in front of the assembly as a sorrowful song was sung.

The elde