Page 161 of Frost and Death
The sincerity behind his voice pulls me closer as we walk in a peaceful tandem toward the library, continuing our efforts in search of a breakthrough on his curse.
Wavy auburn hair is the first thing I see after runningmy palm on my mother’s mirror for the third circle. Dark eyebrows lift in glee, and the golden light in Niko’s eyes shine through the reflection.
He beams from ear to ear, lips as luscious as I remember, and his grin as genuine as my dreams depict. His happiness brings tears to my eyes, the love and adoration from him shining like Yeva herself.
I squeeze my mother’s mirror for dear life. Somehow, the small crack makes him appear more real. For once, my tears are of relief to see the person I care about the most.
When his entire frame fills the reflection my heart leaps out of my body. His broad shoulders, his sexy shadow of stubble, and his eyes.
I clench my thighs, knowing I am going to have a hard time sleeping tonight.
It is quiet, and the silence is tender. I don’t want to ruin it. I want to take him in. Every crevice, every detail of him that I haven’t seen in person. Niko is here, and I am completely utterly speechless.
“I am so happy to see your smile,” he says with the utmost tenderness, and it sends my heart skittering across the floor.
I nod eagerly, wiping a tear from my eye. “I’m happy to seeyoursmile.”
He leans closer to the reflection, observing me. Heat rises to my cheeks when he smiles.
I must look like a lovesick child because he says, “I wish I was holding you, kissing you.”
I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, glancing down at my nightgown, wishing he could be removing it with his hands. “I wish the same.”
“Soon, Tove.Sosoon. We have everything we need to fight after the masquerade ball,” he says pridefully.
My stomach sours, remembering the serious discussion I want to have.
Niko catches the fall of my expression. “What is it?”
I drop my head as my shoulders fall, my lungs expanding as I concentrate on keeping my emotions in check. A small inkling of power ripples within me, alert and aware of my conflict and festering guilt.
I close my eyes, eliminating the negative reflex of my magic awakening and breathing through it to quiet it down.
Scuffles come from the other end of the connection, and I ignore it, slowly letting the magic calm. The snowstorm in my heart and mind silence, and as my eyes open, relief floods my system.
I wish Jerrick were here to see it.
I imagine home, winter still creeping across the kingdom despite the warmer weather. If I keep making progress with my magic, Axidoria could see real seasons once more at some point. But I need to ensure the home I return to is going to be the same as when I left.
Determination and trust in my own judgment have me rising to meet Niko’s gaze.
I offer him a tightened expression. “I want to call off the attack after the masquerade ball.”
Niko’s jaw falls, and his eyes widen in disbelief.
I wait quietly, allowing him the chance to recover as he granted the same mere moments ago.
His head tilts as he closes his mouth, biting his lip. He goes to speak, but nothing comes out. Instead, he pushes from the vanity and paces, completely forgetting my presence.
He rakes his hands through his messy hair.
I can’t tell if he is worried, shocked, or mad. I try to improve my view to no success.
He finally turns, feet planted, and arms crossed as resentment grows in his gaze.
I immediately want to take back what I said.
The anger he has been reserving for Jerrick blazes. It stings again to see it being directed at me.
