Deep in Wonderveil's dungeons, the air was still and bleak. Damp stone walls were streaked with green moss. Torches set in iron brackets cast only faint pools of light along the endless corridor, stretching long shadows across the cold stone floor. Every now and then, a drop fell from the ceiling:
Drip… drip…
Some cells stood empty; others held prisoners for crimes great and small. There were two kinds of cage here: one built for humans, and smaller ones for creatures that had broken the law.
Ryan sat slumped against his wall, staring ahead with a grim face. In the next cell over were Silas and Fin.
"Hey," Silas called, leaning back against his own stone. "I never thought you'd still be here, Ryan. I'd have guessed you'd be back where you belong."
Ryan lifted his head slowly. "Aye… Princess Celestia trapped me well enough." He sighed heavily. "And she trapped you too, didn't she?"
Silas ground his teeth. "She did. I never saw it coming. She played the fool right to my face." He slammed a fist against the floor. "Useless witch!"
Ryan spoke again. "Word is the fight between Princess Elowen, Princess Celestia, and Alice has begun."
Silas smiled cruelly. "I hope Alice wins. Let her grind Wonderveil to dust! Hahaha!"
Ryan frowned. "If the whole world turns to dust… where are we supposed to live?"
Silas laughed again. "That's exactly what I mean. Not just Wonderveil — let her burn everything."
Ryan shook his head. "You've truly gone mad."
As they talked… Fin, in his smaller cage, spoke up. "Silas. Ryan. What if we got out of here?"
The suggestion made both men turn toward him. Ryan looked startled. "Escape? There's a blizzard raging out there. You want to run now?"
Silas grinned. "I like Fin's idea."
Ryan shook his head. "If you two want to go, be my guest. I'm staying. I know what waits out there."
Silas snorted. "Coward. Rot in here then."
Ryan ignored him. He lay down on the bare cold stone, closed his eyes, and chose rest over Silas's foolishness.
Meanwhile… Silas and Fin set their plan in motion. Fin crept to the iron bars. He took a deep breath, wrapped both paws around a thick rod, and strained.
"Haah!"
Every muscle in his small squirrel body pulled taut.
Creak…
The iron bent just a little. Fin pushed harder, sweat beading on his forehead. Inch by inch, the gap widened. Silas watched, eyes gleaming.
"Wow. Fin… I didn't know you were that strong."
Fin smiled shyly. "Thank you." He kept pulling without pause.
Half an hour later… the opening was just large enough for a rabbit to slip through. Silas's grin spread wide. "Perfect."
Without warning — Thwack!
He struck Fin hard on the head.
"Ow!" Fin tumbled back. Before he could rise, Silas pulled a length of rope from his clothes and bound Fin's hands and feet. Fin thrashed.
"Silas! What are you doing?!"
But he was too small; he stood no chance against Silas's strength. Silas knotted the last tie and smirked.
"Goodbye, Fin. I never thought of you as a friend. Why don't you stay right here… with Ryan?"
Fin's face fell, hurt and confused. "Silas… I bent those bars for you. And you'd betray me like this?"
Silas laughed loudly. "Hahaha! I never asked you to. I just went along with your little plan. I didn't think you'd be quite so stupid."
Without another look, Silas squeezed through the gap. He left Fin bound beside Ryan. Ryan watched in silence, saying nothing.
Silas moved slowly down the dungeon hall, careful not to draw the guards. "Where's the way out…?" The narrow passages were dim and repetitive, every turn looking the same. Fifteen minutes later, he found a heavy wooden door at the far end. He pushed it gently.
Creak…
It swung open. A blast of freezing wind hit his face. Outside, a blizzard howled. Snow fell thick and fast — yet Silas's face lit up.
"At last… I'm free!"
He stepped out at once and ran through the storm, heading for his home deep in the woods. But as he ran… he heard it.
Awoooooooo…
Silas froze. "That's… wolves?" He changed direction at once. "Great. Just what I needed. Where did they put this place? I thought it was near the palace!"
He ran as fast as he could — but one wolf had already caught his scent. It gave chase, following his clear footprints in the deep snow. Panic rose in Silas's chest. He pushed on… until another wolf stepped into his path, eyes fixed on him. Silas skidded to a halt.
"Hey… don't eat me. Let me go… and I'll grant you any wish."
The wolf laughed coldly. "Oh? Like you did for Qas?"
Silas went pale. "What?"
"Qas was unlucky. Betrayed by someone he trusted. And you're no different." The wolf snarled. "Silas… you are a snake. Today… I avenge Qas."
At that, Silas turned and ran. The wolf gave chase, and soon others joined the hunt, drawn by the sound of running feet. Their howls rang through the trees.
Awooooo… Awooooo…
Silas grew tired, breath coming in ragged gasps. "Hah… hah… hah…" His legs felt heavy in the deep snow — and the wolves drew closer.
"Don't think you can run forever, Silas!"
Suddenly one struck from the side — Thump! Silas rolled in the snow. Before he could rise, a great wolf set a paw on his chest. Others circled around him. Silas shivered, terrified.
"Plea… please… let me go…"
The wolf bared its teeth. "Let go of a meal served right to me? Never."
Silas froze, eyes wide with fear. The wolf raised a claw — Rip!
Sharp claws tore into his skin. His scream pierced the storm.
"Arghhh!"
Red blood welled and spread, staining the clean white snow.
..............
The blizzard showed no sign of letting up. Wind howled outside, driving thick white snow over every road, tree, and rooftop in Wonderveil. Visibility shrank to almost nothing; even sturdy trees swayed violently in the gale.
Inside the shelter hall, things were quieter. Fires burned in several corners to keep the refugees warm. Children played together, while adults helped prepare food. Charles stood wrapped in a thick dark blue winter coat and a white scarf. He had meant to ride to the palace to meet Princess Elowen and Princess Celestia — but watching the storm rage through the window, he changed his mind.
"If I go out now… I'll be lost myself."
He sighed and walked to the second‑floor balcony, gazing out through the tall panes. His eye fell on a group of knights gathered in the courtyard, their faces tight with worry. From above, he heard their words:
"Ugh… this storm makes searching for them nearly impossible."
"It really does. No sense going out in this."
"Maybe we should pause for now. Pick it up when the weather clears."
"I agree."
Charles frowned. Searching? Who are they looking for?
Without a second thought, he vaulted over the railing.
Thump!
He landed softly in the deep snow, sending flurries scattering. The knights jumped in surprise.
"L… Lord Charles!"
Charles walked toward them with a smile. "Who are you looking for? Is someone missing?"
The knights exchanged glances — they had not expected him to overhear. One quickly forced a smile to cover his unease.
"Yes… we believe some villagers are still trapped out there. We intended to help them… but the storm stands in our way."
Charles nodded. "Oh, in that case… why don't I help you look? I've nothing else to do right now."
Before another could speak, one knight shook his head firmly.
"Lord Charles, we cannot allow it. This is the knights' duty. Perhaps you should stay and keep the children company inside? That would be much safer."
Charles looked puzzled. "But… surely there's no harm in lending a hand?"
The knight's smile turned thin. "Truly, there is no need. We can manage. We appreciate your kindness… but we must decline."
Something felt off. They seemed determined to keep him away. He studied their faces one by one.
"Why? Why won't you let me help? Is… is there something you're trying to hide from me?"
Several knights flinched. They shook their heads quickly.
"Hide? Of course not! We only wish to spare you hardship."
Charles smiled gently. "I don't mind the hardship at all — I offered freely. But if you think I'm in the way… very well."
The knight let out a quiet breath of relief. "W… we shall see."
Charles nodded. "Very well. Let us meet back here once the storm ends. I shall wait."
With that, he turned and walked back inside — entirely unaware the knights were keeping a secret from him.
As soon as he was out of sight, all the knights exhaled together.
"You…" one scolded his companion. "Next time, keep your voice down."
The other hung his head. "I… I never thought he could hear us from the second floor."
"Have you forgotten?" another said. "Charles has sharp ears — he hears what others miss."
Silence fell again. One knight rubbed his forehead.
"What now? He wants to join the search. He has no idea we're looking for Princess Elowen and Princess Celestia."
An older, seasoned knight spoke up. "Let him come. I'll lead him off in another direction. While I keep him occupied… the rest of you keep searching for the two princesses."
The others nodded. "That's wise. At least he won't suspect a thing."
"So be it."
For now, though, no one could move. The worsening storm forced them to wait for the skies to calm — and to hope, wherever they were, the princesses were still safe.
Several hours later, the blizzard that had swept over Wonderveil finally began to ease.
The fierce gale softened into a gentle chill. Snow still blanketed the roads, rooftops, and branches, but the sky cleared, and morning sunlight spilled over the white drifts, turning them into glittering fields.
Though the weather improved, the deep snow still made travel difficult.
The knights, forced to halt their search since the night before, readied themselves once more. Each pulled on winter cloaks, checked their swords, and packed rations before gathering before the hall.
"We can waste no more time."
"Princess Elowen and Princess Celestia are still missing."
"We resume the search."
"Agreed!"
Inside the hall's office…
Charles sat with Ashveil and Nyx, enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. Thin steam rose from his mug. Nyx curled on the table near the fire, while Ashveil sorted through documents.
Charles glanced out the window and saw knights setting out. At once he stood.
"I'm heading out."
Ashveil looked up. "Charles, where are you going?"
"To help the knights look for villagers trapped in last night's storm."
Nyx cracked one eye open. "Are you already weary of staying here?"
Charles smiled faintly. "A little. I've been cooped up too long. I want to stretch my legs and lend a hand. Hope you two don't mind."
Ashveil nodded. "Not at all. Just take care out there — the snow is still deep."
Nyx added, "And if you spot wolves, do not pick a fight."
Charles chuckled. "I will. See you later."
He waved and left.
Charles went to his room, opened his wardrobe, and dressed for the cold: a thick brown fur coat, a white scarf around his neck, leather gloves, and sturdy snow boots.
"That should keep me warm enough."
Satisfied, he stepped out to the courtyard, where several knights waited.
"Apologies for the delay."
One knight smiled. "No trouble at all, Lord Charles — we only just arrived."
He unfolded a small map. "We will split up to search for the missing villagers. Would you mind coming with me to another area?"
Charles nodded. "Not at all."
"Very well. Follow me."
Unaware of their true plan, Charles went along. Meanwhile, the other knights headed in different directions — not for villagers, but to continue the hunt for the two princesses.
Charles and his escort walked toward the forest edge.
Fresh snow crunched underfoot: crunch… crunch… Snow‑laden pines stood silent on either side. On the way, Charles broke the quiet.
"May I ask — how long have these villagers been gone? Were they trapped somewhere specific?"
The knight answered steadily, "A day or two, Lord Charles. We keep looking. Do not worry — we will not stop."
Charles smiled. "I have faith in you."
After a while, he spoke again.
"I also heard Princess Elowen and Princess Celestia defeated Alice. I am so eager to see Princess Celestia — is she well?"
The knight nodded. "Both are safe and well. You need not fear."
Charles exhaled in relief. "That is good news. I hope to meet them soon."
"Indeed." The knight's smile was thin. Inside, he felt a pang of guilt for lying.
They reached the forest fringe and searched for nearly an hour — naturally, finding no one. At last they stopped to rest at a small snow‑covered hut. Charles sat on a wooden bench, sipping from his canteen.
"Where can these people be? Kidnapped?"
The knight shook his head. "I cannot say. But I believe they are safe."
Suddenly—
"Hey! Hey!"
Another knight ran toward them, breathless and sweating despite the cold.
Charles's companion stood quickly. "What is it?"
Charles rose too. "Calm down. What has happened?"
The newcomer glanced at Charles. "Forgive me, Lord Charles — this is delicate."
He drew his friend aside and whispered.
"What is it? Why are you here?"
"We found something."
"What?"
"A white sphere — in the palace."
His eyes went wide. "A sphere?"
"Yes. It shows Princess Elowen and Princess Celestia fighting Alice. They are in another dimension."
He was stunned. "They trapped her? But… how did you find this?"
"One knight returned for something he left. He heard fighting — coming from the sphere. Inside, plain as day, the princesses battle Alice."
"Understood. So what now?"
"Call off the search. Instead, seal the entire palace grounds. No one enters until they return."
"Agreed. I will tell Charles."
The messenger nodded and hurried away.
Charles watched them, confused. "What is going on?"
The knight turned back, smiling as if nothing had changed.
"Lord Charles — the trapped villagers have been found. We may return."
Charles's face lit up. "Truly? Wonderful news! May I see them?"
The knight shook his head gently. "I am sorry. They are still shaken and wish to see no one for now."
Charles suspected nothing. "Oh… very well. As long as they are safe. Let us go back."
"At once, Lord Charles."
They walked toward the hall, Charles at ease — while every knight in Wonderveil now held a secret: the princesses had been found, yet still fought for their lives in another realm. To keep their battle undisturbed, all agreed to hide the truth — even from Ashveil, Nyx, and Charles.