Page 1 of Mr. Winter
Prologue
Houston, Texas
Espen
“Everyone’s heard of Jack Frost to a degree. To some, the name means a true personification of winter—a conduit of all things mischievous and magical. To others, he’s merely a saying for the cold and not believed to be a real person or thing.” My grandfather turns to me and looks at me for dramatic effect. “ Jack Frost is real. How do I know? I’m Jack Frost.” He leans into my face. “And so are you.”
“Cool!” The six-year-old version of myself screamed.
I was born in Texas, but when my mom noticed my tantrums dropped the temperature in the house, she started insisting that I’d spend any major breaks with my grandfather. My dad, an everyday mortal, had no idea magic existed, and my mom was running out of reasons for the sudden cold that came and went with my moods.
“First things first, little Jack—”
“My name is Espen!” I laughed. “Silly Papa.”
He chortled. “I know! But I’ll call you ‘Jack.’”
“First thing you must learn is to control your power. Find your center and find healthy ways to express those big emotions.”
“You got it, Papa!”
My grandfather’s family—the Winters—were the longest-running family in Fairhope, a small peninsula country east of the United States. The Fairhopes founded the country with the understanding that my family was just as important residents as they were. We’re also the background protectors of the country. With it being land to the east that was founded by southerners, it has all of the southern charms with the feel of visiting a mix of The Hamptons and Cape Cod. My grandfather loved his country and told me everything I needed to know.
He kept my circle small by only inviting the Fairhope, St. Andrews, and Voss children to play with me when I was visiting.
When Arden Elisabeth Voss appeared, she was a little five-year-old ball of fire who punched me in my stomach for grabbing her favorite doll. I was in love from that moment. I pushed her down and threw her doll at her, but I respected her grit. She even tripped me when I walked off.
I smile in my sleep but frown when my dream skips forward.
“Jack, you have to take your training seriously. Our magic is not a device to pick up girls. It’s more than winter fun and snowfall kisses.”
I wasn’t surprised my grandfather saw me’ he had moments when he wandered the Fairhope undetected.
“Why?”
“You’re destined to protect this place. If you want to be ‘Jack,’ you need to know there is danger beyond the magic—dangers that took your grandmother away from us. You have to focus or you can lose those you love.”
“How? We’re like the other magical beings, only children believe in us.”
“It’s by design, Jack. We have greater things to protect.”
“I didn’t ask for this. I want to be Espen.”
My grandfather’s face fell, but he nodded anyway. “I understand. Just know there may come a day where you may need to return. This is your legacy.”
It was too much information to take in at fifteen-years-old. That night, I rode the wind back to Texas where I did my best to grow up like a normal child. I didn’t believe him. I didn’t want to believe him.
I awaken but keep my eyes closed. My heart is racing. I’d be sweaty if I functioned like a normal human. My dream only means something isn’t right. I have years of regret for how I left. I’ve spoken to him since but never really set foot on Fairhope again. While the stories about me are cute, I’m not stuck in the body of a fifteen-year-old boy. While I can do much more, I used to be about the fun and magic of winter my family had instilled in me, but now, I just want to be left the fuck alone.
My reclusive desires came with a price. I messed up while hiding from my calling, and the time to face that is here. I know before I open my eyes because I can feel it. The blue light that shines behind my eyelids makes it impossible to ignore. Tears roll down my cheeks as I’m overcome with great sadness. I should’ve returned sooner.
“Papa,” I cry.
It doesn’t change anything. My tears cannot help him now nor can they bring him back. Forcing my eyes open, I take in what’s left of my grandfather. His spirit floats next to me. The same big smile is on display as his eyes shine with love. Somehow this hurts more. My face crumples, but I try to fight through the grief.
“It’s okay, Jack. I know you love me. I felt it all the time. I understand why you stayed away. Your powers were fun for you as a child, but you wished to be normal like your parents. I respected that and held out as long as I could.” He shakes his head, and I see the weariness. “I’ve been alive for a long time. I know it’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s your birthright. They need you now.”
I nod and wipe at my tears. I knew this day would come. I wanted to see him before this, but I’m too late.
