Page 190 of Frost and Death
The scene around me changes as Jonas rushes to Jerrick and Dorit runs to me.
She holds my shoulders, checking every angle as my stare and Jerrick’s remain fixed on each other.
Jonas and Jerrick speak, and although I am unable to hear, I can tell the conversation is not important because Jerrick waves off his brother, stepping back toward me.
He leans in and kisses my cheek.
Dorit’s protective grip tightens around my wrist as Jerrick drags his lips to my ear.
He whispers softly, “Pleaseforgive me. I have to go. I’ll return as soon as I can.”
My husband leaves without any more explanation, leaving me breathless despite everything that just unfolded.
Frost thrums down my arms, and I look to see a light chill expanding from my hand. I concentrate on eliminating the sensation, hoping since the danger is gone, my magic will recede.
The ice numbs my fingertips momentarily before my power drains, sucking itself back into my body, pouring into each vein as heat returns.
My frost is silent again, and all I can think about is Jerrick.
“I have to get to the library,” I say.
Jonas and Dorit share a glance with each other before turning back to me.
“H-How did you do that?” Dorit asks.
Looking back to where Jerrick left the three of us, I feel a pang of longing to go after him and help him as he has helped me so many times.
I shrug, understanding he needs time alone.
“I have no idea.”
Dorit steps closer to me, voicing a reasonable suggestion. “Let’s get you changed first, though.”
The scent of the forest hits me, the slight dampness of fabric mixing with pine needles and a small tinge of bodily odor. I scrunch my nose.
“Right.”
My mind races as I bathe. I replay the day’s events, my muscles aching and exhausted. At first, I thought the trek back home from the forest was what tugged at my tired body, but it was more than that. It was how Jerrick had only been gone for a few hours, and I couldn’t stop worrying about him.
Missinghim.
I let out a long drawn-out breath before standing to wrap myself in linen and exit the bath. I enter my chambers and rest against the soft plush mattress as Dorit fiddles with my hair.
I remain quiet and still, unable to banish my concern over how to help Jerrick while also wanting to give up and sink into this bed and sleep these next few nights away.
More time without Jerrick means fewer eyes helping me break his curse.
I have an idea to ask Dorit about, but when a glimmer comes from my mother’s mirror, I turn and watch it carefully, seeking to reach Axidoria.
Maybe Niko and Betina have not left yet.
When Dorit grabs a brush from my vanity, I take the opportunity to pick up the mirror and hold it close. A ripple runs through the reflection, a secondary one coming from the crack that happened when I first came to Palaena all those months ago.
I say, “I can finish dressing myself, Dorit.”
“Are you sure? I can—”
“I’m fine.”
