Chapter Nine

Constance’s POV

I watch from the window as my son’s tall, dark figure retreats into the thick mist. My heart is heavy with a potent mixture of grief and envy, I know he has felt like a prisoner here for almost as long as I have. I would give nearly anything to be running from this place right beside him. First there is something I must do, and when the deed is done, I too, will be free to begin living my life.

It has been fifty-six long days since Marcel left. I am not losing my mind, not yet anyway. I know the figure I see in the mist is only a memory of the morning he left. It is the feeling of hope that this memory gives, that keeps me going when it feels like there is no point in waking up every morning. The hope that I too, will soon be free like Marcel.

Evangeline creeps into the dining hall and the screeching sound of chair legs scraping along the polished wood floor sets my already tender nerves on edge. She is now my only comfort in this cold and lifeless castle, since Marcel