Elise’s POVThe journey to the Royal Academy took over a month.The first week was nothing but snow. By the second week, the roads had narrowed into endless forests.Then the third week came, and everything changed.The kingdom’s banners disappeared. Travelers spoke languages I didn’t understand, and some weren’t even human.My fingers tightened around the edge of the carriage window as a young man with pointed ears rode past beside a woman with a long silver tail.“Maya.”“Yes, Your Highness?”“Did you see that?”Maya leaned toward the window. Her eyes widened.“I did.”Growing up in the Cold Palace had taught me about loneliness, hunger, and bitter winter nights. Sneaking into the streets had shown me a little more of the world.But beyond our kingdom?I knew nothing.Another carriage passed, pulled by beasts twice the size of ordinary horses. A little girl poked her head out of its window, revealing two small horns before quickly disappearing again.“She has horns,” I whispered.“S
Last Updated : 2026-08-01 Read more