Page 131 of Frost and Death
I hesitate, my mind too preoccupied with breathing. But a beacon of cold kisses the center of my palm, drawing my attention to it.
A startled gasp escapes at the small snowflake hovering a few inches above my hand, with no sign of frost or ice along my skin and no sign of it expanding beyond what it is.
I cannot help but laugh at the sight, a flurry of snow twirling around in response.
Tears blur my line of vision.
“Beautiful,” Jerrick hums from behind.
Words can’t escape me, so I nod, shocked to see my magic manifest like this.
The weight of Jerrick’s chin rests on my head as we both study my gift. “Now, close your palm,” he encourages gently.
I do as he asks, the familiar heat of his magic closing over my hand.
The surge of power lingers in the air, Jerrick’s hold lingering as if he doesn’t want to let go. But even as he does, I still keep my palm closed, debating on opening it.
Drawing a long inhale, I hold it for a few seconds, expelling my lungs and opening my hand to see the snowflake completely dissolved. “I-I-I made my magic not appear on my arms.”
A breathless sob of joy escapes.
“With my help, of course,” Jerrick teases from behind.
I deflate. “You just have to go and ruin all my fun now, don’t you?”
Jerrick’s chuckle is light as he says, “Manifest your magic without my help and then we can train.”
He—he offered to train me…
I peer up at Jerrick, my teeth flashing with excitement and his wide grin matching my own.
His head tilts toward mine as the air surrounding us shifts.
Jerrick’s intoxicating cologne has me licking my lips, my hungry gaze lingering on his mouth inching closer to mine.
The sound of staff entering my chambers, with Dorit in tow, reminds me of myself.
“Thank you,” I spill out, averting my gaze from Jerrick and saving myself from acting on impulse.
27
Wavering
Jperrick refused to let me roam beyond my chambers, claiming he did not want to witness me fainting again from my cycle. He brought me food trays every morning, stacked high with pastries, courtesy of Ophelia and Cordelia. He also ensured Dorit and Jonas checked on us periodically, visiting while helping bring and take books Jerrick requested while I rested.
And as annoying and embarrassing as his teasing was, I could not complain.
But when I fell asleep while reading on the second day, Jerrick tossed a pastry at my face. It startled me awake, and his laughter roared throughout the room.
I couldn’t even stay mad at him, my heart thawing at the sight and sound of him.
The richness and elegance of his laughter while tracking my breath is a tingling taunt.
I pinch my features tight, concentrating on understanding the magic begging to escape. Crackling and air drift in a flurry around my mind, wanting to drag me away.
I twitch from the sound, seeking mercy for myself only to struggle.
Hands hold mine, and Jerrick’s breath hovers near me. “Kindness, Frostbite.”
