“Lady Rosamund,” Evelina called, pulling me out of my thoughts. “We have arrived.”

I sighed, not out of relief but in fear. My hands gripped my dress tightly.

We have arrived.

That thought filled my head.

I stared at the castle from inside the carriage. It loomed high into the gray sky, its dark stone towers casting long, imposing shadows over the courtyard. The moment I saw it, the fear inside me grew even stronger. I knew that whatever awaited me in this castle was nothing but evil.

“My lady,” Evelina said, offering her hand. “Allow me to help you down.”

I looked at her, well aware that she was...