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Soon enough, I’ll have answers. Enchanted waters should restore my memory, and if what they said is true, deep within the caverns of the Silver Mountains is a well of wishes hidden in the Cave of Tears.

“I’m sorry about your father.” I try to talk to Riven, but he’s been quiet since we saddled up this morning.

“Me too, Princess. Me too,” he whispers into my hair.

The news that it was the evil queen and not my father, the king, weighs between us. I’m not the only one who grew up with lies. I try to swallow down the guilt I feel in knowing that it was because his father helped Doc get me from this realm. It’s almost too much to bear.

I try not to think about what has been done and focus on what lies ahead. More words of wisdom Doc once told me. I practice breathing as we ride in silence, the feel of Riven behind me a welcome distraction. Because soon we’re arriving at the place that should be able to break the spell and unlock the parts of my mind that have been hidden. If what they said is true, deep within the caverns of the Silver Mountains is where my heart’s greatest desire will come to pass, and I’ll get my memory back.

The Cave of Tears is my last hope.

What if it doesn’t work?

* * *

Riven

We arrive somewhere near the foothills of the Silver Mountains. One hand protectively holds the princess to me; the other grips the reins with deadly force as the path grows more and more steep. They said it could take half a day’s ride just to reach the opening of the cave and another half a day to reach the heart of the cave.

Thankfully, Adelaide’s uncles were kind enough to provide us with provisions since I only packed enough to retrieve her and get her back to the castle.

The castle… the queen.

I don’t let on how worried I am about Birdy, and I pray the Lycan brothers made it there already.

I had one job. Bring Adelaide back and my sister would be safe, but I can’t do that knowing what the queen plans to do.

Knowing how I feel.

That isn’t what my father would have wanted for Birdy, for me… or for the princess. He gave his life to save her. Now it’s up to me to figure out how to make that happen while saving his own flesh and blood. His daughter, my sister.

I know the queen won’t do anything foolish. She may be evil, but she is far from stupid. She’s probably sitting back on her throne of obsidian, playing the puppet master.

She gave me strict orders. Break her heart, and bring it back.

I can do neither… without destroying my own.

She will either love me or resent me for invading her dreams for all these years.

I hate what I’m doing to her right now, but if I don’t stay focused, then all this will come crumbling down. My sister held captive and the princess… dead.

I shiver at the thought as I pull her back to me. I need her to know that I’ll do anything to keep her safe. That I’ll protect her just as my father did.

“We are almost there.” I swallow thickly.

“Okay.” She lets her head fall back on my chest. I wish I could tell her everything is going to be okay, but I’m not going to make a promise I can’t keep.

We are on the path near the entrance to the cave, and we need to move faster. There is no stopping now because the storm has turned into a near blizzard as we reach the mouth of the cave. I find a safe place to tie up Eclipse, then remove his saddle and secure him from the storm until someone comes for him.

Hopefully, we find the portal in the attached mines that her uncles mentioned because we don’t have time to make it back to the castle before the solstice tomorrow.

“Come on, Princess. Let’s get you warm.” I take her shivering hand in mine and lead her deeper inside on foot. The farther we get into the caves, the warmer it is. Using an old mining oil lamp from her uncles, I guide us through the darkness. There’s very little natural light left as we move through the tunnel of twisted and misshapen rock, the imposing stone jutting from the ground and hanging down like icy daggers from the ceiling.

“Here.” I hand her the lantern. “Watch your step,” I warn, keeping her as close to me as possible while navigating the unfamiliar terrain with one hand on hers and the other wielding my dagger.

She’s quiet but follows my direction as we step over a small stream that sparkles from white, shimmery rocks that are embedded in the stone beneath, white steam clouding the remaining cool air.

Crouching down, I use my blade to free one, and she stops beside me and holds the light closer. Inspecting it in my hand, a rainbow of colors dances like a kaleidoscope beneath the milky glass as I turn it over in my palm.