The wind had begun to howl outside as snow battered against the window panes, as if an angry ghost was punching it but failed to break it. The weak gray light poured inside through the window. Lerna wiped the mist from the glass and peered down.

The height at which she was at made her feel dizzy. She never liked this side of the palace. When she was younger, she had taken a ride down the mountain. It was dangerous, even on clear days, the road was icy and littered with wet divots and protruding rocks. However, when there was a winter storm, it was even more treacherous. Because of...