Chapter 43

Ember’s POV:

The walk back to the castle was eerily quiet. Neither Sophie nor I discussed the matter any further but our minds were still stuck on all that happened in the hut.

Reaching the castle gates, I hypnotized the guards into oblivion who quickly opened the gates for us. With quick footsteps, I rushed into the castle with Sophie on my heels.

Keeping my gaze on the floor, I pondered over the mess I was in. Taking a swift turn in the hall, I started climbing the stairs leading to my private wing. I was so immersed in my thoughts that I didn’t realize when my head hit something hard.

“Ouch,” I yelped at the contact. It all happened so fast. I lost my balance on the stairs and my eyes widened in panic as I stumbled backward. I clamped my eyes shut and waited for the painful fall down the staircase. I was sure that it would leave a bump or two on my head.

But instead of that, I felt a big, warm palm sliding around my waist. My eyes snapped open and I took in a pair of gray, stormy