Page 38 of Frost
“You spoke to him?” I ask, brow arched.
“Of course.” Jack frowns at me. “Is that strange to you?”
“Actually?” I look over as Págos lands in front of us, his ice wings stirring the air before tucking into his side. “Out of all the things I’ve seen over the past few weeks, you talking to a horse is probably the least strange.”
Jack steps forward and greets his longtime companion, speaking softly to him as he glides a hand through the animal’s icy mane. Págos exhales and gently headbutts Jack.
“Come over here, Luka.”
I hesitate. “Are you sure he won’t trample me to death?”
“Trampling is the least of your worries.”
“That’s… not exactly reassuring, Jack.”
He throws his head back with a laugh and holds out a hand toward me. “Stop being a chicken and get over here.”
I place my hand in his, letting him pull me forward. My gaze is pinned to Págos just like his is to me. His eyes are translucent just like the rest of him, making him look like one of those ancient statues, except he’s ice instead of marble.
“Good horsey,” I say.
Págos huffs and moves his large head up and down. Cleary not amused.
Jack presses his lips into a line, and I can tell he’s trying so hard not to laugh. He takes way too much joy in my awkwardness. He then brings our joined hands up and places my hand on the horse’s neck. My pulse is drumming through my veins so hard it’s all I can hear as I slowly pet the horse.
Jack walks over and presses his cheek to Págos’ muzzle. He then starts speaking in a language I don’t understand, however, I recognize my name within the words.
“What are you saying to him?” I ask, moving my hand from the horse’s neck to the folded wings at his side. Even through my glove, I feel the smoothness of his skin and the silkiness of the ice feathers.
A smile surfaces on Jack’s face. “That’s between me and him.”
“So not fair,” I respond. “You were talking about me.”
“What if I was?” Jack’s smile widens. “Are you ready to ride him?”
“Um. What?” I take a step back.
“I told you you’d run screaming,” Jack says before walking around and hopping up onto the horse’s back. Págos spreads his wings and shakes them once before relaxing them again. Jack offers me his hand.
“Jack, I don’t know if this is a good idea—”
“Trust me, Luka.”
Maybe I’m batshit crazy to do so, especially since Págos and I aren’t on the best of terms, but I take Jack’s hand and allow him to help me onto the horse’s back. He places me in front of him, blocking me between his body and the wings.
“Won’t I slide off?” I ask. “I mean, he’s made of ice.”
“You won’t fall, I promise.” Jack pushes his face against the back of my neck and grips my waist. “I’ve got you, little light.”
And then Págos lifts into the air.
Chapter Nine
Cold wind whips at my face, and I feel the vibrations with each heavy flap of wings. I sense we’re high in the air, but I’m too afraid to look. Too many things can go wrong. If Págos turns too sharp or goes up at a slope, I’ll slide off his icy back and tumble to my death.
“Open your eyes, Luka,” Jack whispers at my nape. “You don’t want to miss the view.”
His words.
