Snow swirled in soft spirals, silence blanketing the valley as if it held its breath. The mountains loomed, silver against the dim sky. Before them, the cave shimmered—not with light, but with silence, ancient and unbroken.

Prince Alex Valcaryn stepped forward, emerald eyes caught between awe and dread. Frost crusted the cave’s mouth, and inside, a soft blue glow pulsed like a heartbeat.

There you were.

Suspended in the ice, white hair floating like a frozen halo. Freckled cheeks, parted lips, a hint of dimples. Asleep—untouched by time.

“She was cursed to sleep until the soul meant to protect her touched the ice,” King Valcaryn whispered. “No one else could reach her.”

Alex’s breath caught. He’d heard the stories—the Winter Princess who vanished when the stars turned red. No one believed she was real.

But he stepped closer. The air thickened, colder, alive with ancient magic. It curled along his skin, testing him.

His hand lifted. Trembling. His brother called his name—but he only saw you. The softness in your face. The sadness tucked at your mouth, like even your dreams were waiting.

He touched the ice.

The world stilled—then shuddered. Light surged from his touch. Cracks bloomed, silver and bright—

The ice broke.

And you fell into him.

Not cold. Not lifeless.

Just soft. Dreaming. Still asleep.

He held you like something sacred. The spell had stirred.