Page 37 of A Winter Redemption
Jarne pulled his gaze from the lake and looked into Ketho’s silver eyes. They seemed to almost sparkle in the winter sun.
“It will not break. At this time of year, the ice is frozen and thick,” Ketho said. “Anyone in Ores would tell you that. And being part-oread means I have a better sense of my environment. I am not a good skater, but I walk on ice regularly.” Ketho lifted his hand, showing Jarne the rough dark-grey palms. “Just like my textured hands and feet are good for climbing cliffs, the textured feet are also good for gripping ice when I walk on it.”
Ketho took Jarne’s other hand, holding both now. “I didn’t grow up out here, but when I returned years ago, I felt like I’d come home. I know this place. It’s in my bones and blood. So I can promise you we won’t fall through. You’re safe.”
Jarne tried to relax. But he didn’t like being so out of his depth. So out of control.
“But you’re scared,” Ketho said. “I can see that.”
A part of Jarne wanted to protest, say it wasn’t true. But he was terrified.
“And if you want, we don’t have to skate.” Ketho stepped closer to him. “But if you do, I promise it won’t break. I promise you are safe with me.”
Jarne stared down at their hands. His heart pounded, and his palms wouldn’t stop sweating. But he wanted to trust Ketho.
“All right,” Jarne said.
“Are you sure?” Ketho asked, voice gentle.
“No.” Jarne huffed a nervous laugh. “But I want to. With you.”
This earned him a blinding smile, followed by a kiss on the cheek.
“Then let’s go.”
ChapterTwenty-Three
Jarne precariously took several steps on his skates through the dried reeds and towards the ice. He clasped Ketho’s rough hand tightly in his own.
“Ready?” Ketho asked as they passed by the lake.
Jarne nodded.
Ketho stepped out onto the ice. Still holding Jarne’s hand, he turned and faced Jarne. “Take your time.”
Jarne took a breath and placed one foot on the ice. His foot wobbled, but the ice seemed to hold the weight. He heard the ice crack and shift. He glanced up at Ketho in alarm.
“It’s fine. I promise.”
Body rigid, he stepped out with the other foot. For a moment, he just stared down, waiting for the ice to split apart and his body to plunge into the icy darkness beneath. But that never came.
“Should we start skating?” Ketho asked after a moment.
Jarne raised his gaze to Ketho’s face before returning it to his skates. “Ice hasn’t broken yet. I suppose we should.”
He moved forward. His legs trembled from a mixture of inexperience and fear. At first, he tried to walk. Then he noticed how Ketho skated with a smooth sliding motion. Jarne tried to copy him and not think of breaking ice.
And the longer the ice held, the less nervous he felt.
“You skate incredibly,” Jarne said.
“Not really. Not compared to others.”
“Look at you.” Jarne gestured to Ketho’s feet. And with that slight movement, Jarne overbalanced.
His feet slipped. But Ketho grabbed him and kept Jarne on his feet.
“All right?” Ketho asked.
