The sun has changed position since we first set out on the final stretch to the castle. Though the sky has yet to change color, the shadows of the trees have shifted, the sun moving to the other side of us. Dusk is coming, but I know we're going to reach our destination before the sun even begins to set.

There's absolutely nothing that can distract me at this point- I'm laser focused. Yet, there's still a tremble that quakes through me the closer we get, and it's not due to the dropping temperature (though that doesn't help either). The endless thoughts echoing in my head plague me tirelessly. Mentally, physically, emotionally, I am worn, but there's that small spark of fight left in me. Though I'm motivated right now, I can bet your bottom dollar I'll be quivering, again, like a leave in the fall the moment I catch sight of the ominous castle.

While my thoughts are racing, I can't help but notice once more the dropping temperature, and I'm not the only one.

"It's very odd how cold the air has become," Elle says, wrapping her arms around herself in an attempt to keep warm. Olivos wraps his own arm around her to share the heat.

Rubbing my arms a bit, I glance up at the grayscale sky that was once a brilliant summer day with blue skies. How could it change so drastically so fast?

It feels the closer we get, the more the temperature drops; it gets so cold that I can even see my breath when I breathe. Since we're not really prepared for winter weather, we just have to stick it out and keep pressing onward.

Eventually, in our journeying silence, Sephora speaks up quietly.

"How is this going to end?"

"That's a good question," I think to myself, letting my mind generate ideas. "One I hoped wouldn't be asked but needs to be answered."

Responding to her, I release the visible stream of a ghostly sigh. "Honestly, I don't know. It ends how it ends."

The answer is unsatisfying, unpredictable, and daunting but it's the only one I got. I think we all need to learn to let go of the sketched out possibilities and just face the music. Sometimes, as I'm continuing to learn, it's not the journey that's necessarily important, it's the lessons learned from it- and I'm going to need those lessons once we reach the end.

Just up ahead, I see it.

Like I predicted, the mixed feelings come over me in a wave of expected thoughts and emotions. I can safely say at this point, as we approach the castle- which has gone under a considerable change since the last we saw it- I am determined, scared, torn, prepared, disgusted, and a numerous other hodgepodge of emotions. As for the startling new appearance, the once dark stone castle which so eerily loomed is now a chillingly magnificent ice castle, a sharp gleam that speaks of hidden malevolent underneath the surface. Somehow this appearance disturbs me more than the original, macabre design.

Once we're almost in complete view of it, I pause to stare at it, contemplating.

The others stand by my side, their sights set on the structure.

"How are we going to get in?" Olivos asks.

My eye remains honed on the castle.

"The amount of guards has probably increased since the last we've been here," Coxen says.

I let my eyes fall to the frosted grass by my feet.

"The only safe way we will probably get in is by stating we're here for a trade," Sephora adds.

At last, my eyes flicker up momentarily to the castle then at them.

Elle notices the shift in my gaze and questions, "What are you thinking about?"

"I think I know how we can get in."

They all simultaneously cock their heads in further question at me and ask in unison: "How?"

I glance at the castle briefly. "Just follow me and stay close."

I'm definitely batting a thousand here but it's the best shot we have at getting in undetected. We make a wide turn to the side of the castle in order to avoid any guards patrolling the area. When the coast is clear, I lead them to the side of the castle where I know a specific window is located- actually a few specific windows. It's a tight squeezing window since it's partially in the ground but an entrance nonetheless.

"Where does this lead?" Sephora asks, glancing side-to-side in fear of any potential guards nearby.

"The dungeon," I grunt, already squatting down to inspect the bars which are coated in ice.

Coxen squats down beside me. "How do we get this open, though, let alone fit?"

"Oh, we'll fit alright," I reply fiddling around with the rusty bars. "Where there's a will there's a way."

They mention no more but I know they're still a bit uncertain about this plan of mine. So while I work on loosening the weakened metal, I set Coxen and Olivos on watch to alert us if there are any guards approaching.

"Sephora, can I see that dagger?"

"Of course."

She hands it over and I start wedging it between the stone wall and metal grate, trying to coax the grate out more.

Elle, who glances at Olivos- who gives a perplexed expression in return- bites her trembling lower lip, her voice dipping a bit.

"Mallory?"

I keep my sole attention on the grate which creaks softly as I attempt to unhinge it completely.

"I'm almost there."

Finally, the weak, cold metal snaps in one place, allowing me to get the rest of it unhinged to the point where I can push it into the cell.

"Let's go," I wave the other two closer as I allow Elle and Sephora in.

Elle gives me a troubled look, but one encouraging head nod from me is all she needs to proceed slipping through the tight rectangle into the dark, cold cell below. For petite Elle, the squeeze is no problem. Sephora, too, can easily slip in, but when it comes to me, Coxen, and Olivos, it's no such luck. Olivos almost makes it in but not quite.

Alarmed, Elle looks up at us.

"How are you going to get in?"

Unfazed, I reply. "You'll let us in."

"Us?" Her soft brown eyes grow wide. "How?"

"Find the servants' quarters and let us in from there."

Taking a steady breath, she meekly nods.

"Okay, we will try to be there in ten minutes or less."

"More or less if trouble erupts," Sephora adds.

"We'll meet you there."

So we split. Elle and Sephora attempt to make it out of the dungeon- no easy feat- up into the servants' quarters without being caught, while the boys and I creep to the back where the door is to wait for them. I know the two of them can do it, they just have to have faith in themselves (especially Elle).

Like a doofus, I completely gloss over the fact that the servants' quarter might be more heavily guarded than it has the last time we came. There is a guard stationed at the entrance/exit, monitoring everyone that comes in and out. Immediately, I'm struck with worry for Elle and Sephora who might unknowingly expose themselves by trying to open the door for us. Coxen eyes the young guard down, speaking in a hushed voice to us.

"We should have no problem taking him down."

"I-I don't know..." Olivos says. "It might draw unexpected attention."

"Olivos is right," I whisper back, keeping my eyes trained on the guard. "We should wait this out. Maybe draw him out for an ambush instead of going out to him."

Though not completely satisfied with this, he compromises and stalks off to create a distraction. Before Coxen can make a sound, though, the door unexpectedly opens and a young woman steps out. She speaks briefly with the guard who doesn't appear too engaged with her until she slowly begins to saunter away with him following behind like a new puppy, leaving the door an open opportunity. The promiscuous couple trots away into the woods but I'm still not comfortable with making a run for it. Who knows how long he'll be gone and when Elle and Sephora will show up.

We can do nothing more than wait. And wait we do.

It feels like seasons have passed and still no sign of either of them. The guard, thankfully, hasn't shown back up, but I know our luck can't hold out forever. Exchanging silent looks with the other two, I can sense the growing distress among us at the length of time they're taking. The worst part, though, is we can't do anything until they show up.

So we anxiously wait- the clock ticking- until our attention is peaked by the creaking of the door as it slowly eases open. Just as we're on the edge of our seats ready to come out of the bushes, someone entirely different emerges from behind.

Though Coxen and Olivos have reason to draw back, remaining hidden, I thank God for our lucky break.

"Shaykh."

The girl's eyes land on me, taken a little off guard but looking relieved to see me.

"Mallory, I was not expecting you to be out here. Where have you been?"

"About that," I rub the back of my neck, giving her sheepish expression. "It's a long story and I don't have much time to tell it. I'm glad you came by, though, I need your help."

Her eyebrow lifts unexpectedly. "Oh?"

"Yeah," Turning around, I signal for the other two to come out. Though they're still a bit wary- as is their nature- they trust me and come out from behind the foliage. "We need to get back in."

I don't want her to grow suspicious of our activity but I know she'll help me at least.

Glancing behind me at Coxen and Olivos, she looks back briefly at where she came then gives me a quick nod.

"Anything you need."

Relieved, I'm glad this stage of the plan is dealt with. Our next order of business is finding where Elle and Sephora are then going to find Clifford.

I wave Coxen and Olivos on to follow me as we enter the servants' quarters. Shaykh follows behind for a bit until we arrive at the door leading out in the castle where more guards are apt to mill around and it's harder to slip by unknown.

"Thanks for the help but I think we're good from here," I tell her in gratitude.

She deflates a little. "Oh, are you sure? What are you searching for?"

"It's nothing. You've been a huge help to us- to me."

I don't want Shaykh getting looped into this in case we are caught. This isn't her battle, therefore she shouldn't have to face the music if something goes awry.

Thankfully, she nods understandably, stepping back to allow us to venture into the guard infested halls.

Glancing between the other two, I start, "We have to find Elle and Sephora first before anything else then we can move onto locating Clifford."

"Sounds like a plan," Coxen agrees, eager to find his sister.

Not wasting another second, I cautiously open the door leading into the halls, just to peer out and inspect if anyone is outside the door. I'm startled when the door is swung open all the way from the other side, unexpectedly.

But there's not a minute to recover.

Standing before us, with a small entourage of guards, whose weapons are drawn and faces sour, is a phlegmatic, poised Aelita. She stands expectantly in the center- not a look of shock or surprise on her face. Her mouth immediately curves into a small, almost pleased smile upon seeing us, or rather, me specifically.

"Is it not amusing how I never invite your presence yet you're always before me? With that look of surprise on your face every time we meet, as well," She says as if it truly does amuse her.

I've been hoodwinked. My mouth is still slightly agape and I have to consciously close it, pressing my mouth into a thin line of discontent.

As panicked as I am right now, I know just one look of intimidation or fear will be enough for her to gain control of the situation- it doesn't take much. So I straighten out my face into a- hopefully- indecipherable one.

"You don't seem to have much to say for yourself, dear, why is that?"

She's looking for any sign of weakness but I'm putting up all my guards.

"Not every criticized action needs to be explained."

Catching the subtle shift in her eyes, I know she's fully aware of how guarded I'm keeping myself. She's going to have to bring out the dynamite today if she expects to find a crack in my armor.

"Never have I heard truer words," She tilts her head thoughtfully. "But I do expect an explanation on how those two rats made their way into my halls. Two rats I know you are well acquainted with."

"Oh no."

The sly undertone in her voice and smile sends a cold sweat dribbling down my back. My defense wavers a tad but I strengthen it again, my voice growing sharp.

"Where are they?"

"Where else do rats belong? The dungeon."

The fact that they're still alive after being uncovered relieves me just enough to stick it out without falling to pieces.

Before I can respond, she speaks up again, sounding rather coy now.

"And now I have you, which means I have the stone. And that means I have one person, in particular, to thank," She motions for somebody behind me to come forward. "Come, dear."

The person who passes me on their way to Aelita's open arms doesn't hesitate for a second. Again, I'm thrown into a tailspin- my defenses struck completely on this one.

"Shaykh!?"

She looks up at me, actually able to meet my eyes. Though they're not filled with pride or triumph- maybe poignancy- it amazes me that she looks me in the eye after underhandedly dealing with me.

I can't believe my unfortunate. Another betrayal, all due to Aelita.

"It seems you miscalculate the ties you have and the loyalties you create," She states with satisfied pleasure at my newest betrayal.

Though her words grate me, I address my question to Shaykh, who lets Aelita draped her arm around her like a loving, protective mother.

"Why, Shay? She's not who she makes herself out to be? Why help her?"

She gives me a mystified face as if confused how I haven't pieced this together for myself.

"Because she will help me."

"Help you? She destroys people! She's never helped anyone else in her life except herself."

"You speak as if you have, dear," She counters with a twistedly amused smile.

I ignore her, continuing to focus on Shaykh.

"Whatever she promised you, it's not what you're going to get. Listen to me, Shaykh, it's the truth."

Before she can respond, Aelita cuts in.

"I'm not sure why you're wasting your time, Mallory. You have never truly treated Shaykh like the true friend you claim you have."

Indignant, I start to protest but her placid demeanor has vanished and has been swiftly replaced with a sharp countenance.

"Don't lie now. Shaykh has never been seen as your friend. You've used her when needed then kept her in the dark until you needed her services again. She was always just a mere servant to you. Can you truthfully defend your lies when you observe how you've treated her compared to the others closest to you?"

I lose my steam at that.

In truth, I know I haven't always dealt with Shaykh like I have the others and yet I was around her more than them before. So, I can't really stand here and act like every word coming out of her mouth is BS- I just didn't suspect her to betray me like this.

Even with this hit against me, I steel myself.

"Shaykh," I address her with pleading eyes. "You are my friend and I do care about you, which is why I'm warning you about her. Aelita is not your friend."

Though her face betrays some signs of wavering, she continues to let Aelita be her comforter- still blind to the truth about this woman.

Basking in her victory, Aelita returns to her complacent mannerism.

"Such a vain young woman."

Those words give me pause. I've heard them said to me before from someone else.

Before I can think too into it, she signals for the guards to seize us. Coxen instinctively fights back but is quickly overcome and subdued.

"Those two can join the other two in the dungeon," She gives me another of her twistedly amused smiles. "Put her in the west tower."

With orders given, the guards start escorting Coxen and Olivos down to the dungeon to join Elle and Sephora while I'm being roughly dragged the opposite direction. Glancing back at Coxen and Olivos, I hope my eyes convey the reassurance I want to give them before I turn the corner, losing sight of them.

The one I'm really worried about, though, is Shaykh, who was being led away by Aelita down the hall, opposite of where I was being taken.

I just hope she comes to her senses soon enough- not simply for my sake, but for hers.

It's like coming full circle once I realize the location I'm trapped in.

It feels like a whole lifetime ago that I was shoved into this small, tower room with its one window. Many things differ from the last time, one of the biggest being that this room is now encased in ice- so is the whole castle it seems. So many things have changed since the last time I've been here- I've definitely changed.

Not bothering with trying to find an escape, I slide down to the floor, my back against the frost-covered wall.

Aelita pulled me off for a reason, a reason that I churn over in my mind until I'm sick of fretting.

I worry about the others all locked down in that disgraceful dungeon for the second time. My thoughts are with Shaykh and hoping she comes to her senses before Aelita becomes too bored of her. I think about Clifford and wonder if he's safe, if Xalale is taking care of him. Hell, I even spend a thought or two on Xalale. But that's all I can do for anyone is think and worry and hope, and these things don't help anyone.

Aelita's last words to me stick in my head, though, playing over and over.

"Such a vain young woman."

I recognized those words and the sting that they brought because they weren't new to me.

Xalale. Those were nearly the same words out of his mouth about me that time I met him alone in the woods.

"Every time I think her hold over him can't get any more controlling."

There's no doubt that she's the one that put that idea of me in his head to fester; he probably believed it was his own original thought.

I have yet to discover how she can manipulate others with such ease- it's frightening almost. I'm starting to second guess if controlling ice is truly her ability, maybe it's plain old manipulation.

Glancing down where the stone is safely wedged, I take comfort in the fact that I still have one advantage over her. Though it makes me suspicious about why she didn't simply claim the stone while she had me.

It feels like a lifetime has passed me by as I wait in that tower, the light dimming. The darker it gets, the more anxious I become about Clifford. Maybe she's holding me here simply to torture me with the thought that Clifford is suffering when I have the solution right here. I have to stay resolute in my stance, though- I cannot let my mind get the better of me.

Even with my iron-clad will to stay awake, I end up dozing off, awakening to a darken room that's beginning to have an icy snap to it.

Rubbing my arms to stay warm, I get up, getting my blood flowing through me again by pacing the room for a bit until I stop to think.

"If no one's coming, I need to get out of here."

I'm not going to be twiddling my thumbs when my friends and Clifford are in jeopardy. This is a time for action, not plotting.

So, peering out of the lone window, which I already established is too small for me to fit through and too high up for me to properly climb down, I go to my next bet and try the door.

I'm a bit reluctant to pull on the door in case there's a guard on duty who notes the suspicious activity. Instead, I press my ear against the rough wood and strain to hear any sign of movement beyond. Though I don't hear much of anything, I allude that to the fact that the door is thick and muffles a lot, plus my hearing isn't the strongest.

At the end of the day, if you can't find a simple way around the problem take the easy way out.

Knocking on the door, I wait for a response. Perhaps an aggregated guard will answer or someone will be approaching. I try this three times with heavy-handed knocks on the wood, yet no one shows. Finally, I've built up enough courage to start fiddling with the door itself. First, I pull, then I push, finally, I start trying to practically break it down. The ruckus doesn't draw any attention so I must be alone.

Nevertheless, my kicking and banging and wild attempts to break down the door fail and I'm left catching my breath as I glare at the wood. One thing standing between me and freedom- something so rudimentary yet sturdy.

"Dammit!" I bang against the door in frustration, sliding back down to the floor.

Instantaneously, I spring back up as if the floor was made of hot coals. With an idea burning in my head, I stand by the window and look out. Though I've already established that I won't fit through the window, I know there's a loose, wiggly stone in place. It's not enough to make the window wide enough to crawl through (I'm not looking for another castle scaling adventure), but I can fashion something useful from the loaf-sized brick.

It takes a few careful tries but I finally get the brick to break off, creating a crudely constructed sharp tool. I know the doors here, especially for this tower, can't be too highly advanced so it's all about being crafty.

Angling the tool where the handle is, I start banging away, the wood splintering as I hack away at it. At first, it just appears like I'm making a mess with no results other than a cracking tool, but finally I start to gain hope when I hit something.

It's grueling work that makes my hand red and aching, but it all pays off when I finally- after what felt like an eternity- break the primitive lock. Dropping the tool, I let out a tired, relieved laugh before stepping out of the room.

For once in my life, I don't have to pause to gather my thoughts or formulate a game plan. No. For once in my life, I know exactly what I'm supposed to do. For once, I take action.