What the Snow Kept

Some promises are made before children understand what promises can cost.

Princess Vaelira Edevane was raised among wolves, snow, and stone, destined to inherit a kingdom carved into the mountains. She was never meant to be ordinary. Not after the ancient wolf Runeir chose her. Not after she found the silver tree hidden beyond Iskarra's walls. And not after she gave her first real promise to a prince from the enemy kingdom.

Evren Valcor was supposed to be everything she hated.

Instead, he became her secret.

Her closest friend.

The one person who knew the girl beneath the crown.

For years, they returned to the silver tree, growing from children into something neither of them was brave enough to name. But kingdoms do not care about childhood promises. War does not care about love. And when loyalty demands a choice, even the deepest bond can become a blade.

Vaelira always believed she knew who her enemies were.

She was wrong.

Because some truths are buried beneath snow.

And some betrayals begin long before the first sword is drawn.