Lola led me to a secluded corner of the castle's back garden, where the shade of the trees and the dense foliage provided the best cover. No one would notice me from a distance hiding in the woods.

Moments later, I smelled a faint mixture of lemon grass and mint. I turned in time to see William in front of me. He walked in silence, his tall, lean frame almost blotting out the sunlight in front of me. His fair hair glistened in the sunlight, and his yellow eyes were calmly watching me.

"Good morning, Miss Sparrow!" William smiled.

"I just... wanted to give this back!" I said, handing him...