Chapter 9 What Is Wrong With My Human?

• The man had remained silent, yet Esthela found his gaze unsettling. As night descended, cloaking the world in darkness amidst a fierce blizzard, she finally managed to pry open her room's window with considerable effort. Once assured of their slumber, she slipped out and made for the cave. The blizzard raged around her, hindering her progress; the pitch-black night disoriented her. She felt she might very well perish in the cold, collapsing onto a snowdrift in exhaustion.
• Prince Erick, having rescued her and left her in the cave, was convinced of her safety there. Moreover, he believed Esthela had neither the desire nor the means to flee due to the magical barrier he had erected at the entrance. Taking further precautions, he had bound her to him with a spell that allowed him to sense her wellbeing at all times.
• Content in the belief of her security, he had returned to his friend Oryun, where Princess Luddie and Princess Ranys of the Fire Kingdom resided—Ranys, in particular, held a special place in his regard.