Page 2 of Mr. Winter
“I know. I was coming back, Papa. I wanted to see you, but now I see I’ve waited too long.”
His warmth envelopes me as if he’s hugging me. “I know. That’s the good thing about our gifts, Jack. I know your heart, and I felt it was safe to phase on. There’s enough protection for the year. They know that and will not bother you. I’ve left you everything you need to know. Go to the mansion immediately.”
Throwing back the covers, I slide out of bed to do his bidding. “Of course, Papa.” The glow isn’t as bright. He’s fading. “I know you felt it, but I have to say it. I love you, and I’ve missed you. This hurts like hell.”
“Part of me will always be with you. Another thing, I know we usually carry a wooden staff, but I’ve made an upgraded alternative for you. It’s in the safe. As you know, your powers work without it but you’ll be stronger with it.” My heart breaks more as his light dims. I’m losing him for good.
“I hate that you’re leaving,” I confess with a fresh wave of tears.
“It’s time. Take this year to sharpen your skills.”
He’s gone before I can respond. My heart shatters, but my duty is clear. Even though I’d left almost twenty years ago, I know what needs to be done in a situation like this.
I’m a little rusty, but when I jump out of the window, it takes me seconds to remember how to ride the wind. Leaving is not so urgent that I couldn’t do it like mortals—pack and book a flight—but my aching soul needs the distraction and the exertion. I’m not leaving behind anything I can’t replace.
Plus, hours of wind-surfing already has me honoring my grandfather’s wish. I’m sharpening my skills. It’s about 3:00 AM when I arrive. Memories of the time I spent here and the friends I used to have all attack me at once. Arden, Kimberly, Mack, and Deacon were like a family to me before I disappeared, and they hardly know me.
The mansion feels so empty and cold without his spirit. I cup his ashen cheek and breakdown once more. After a few minutes, I pull myself together, wrap his body in his blanket that has our family’s sacred crest, and take him where he needs to be. He’d told my mother and me while I was training that it’d be my duty to take him to the sacred ground to be buried while my mom holds the memorial service in Fairhope.
His wishes work for me. I’m not ready to see them.
Not yet.
Chapter 1
One Year Later
Arden
Jack! Jack! I called out to the boy who stood off staring at the lake. At fifteen, he was already huge - six feet and medium built with muscles I’ve never seen him work to get. Either way, when he turned and fixed his ice-blue eyes on me, as he pushed his blond hair out of his face, I sighed despite myself. He was always giving me butterflies. We weren’t an official couple, but we found ways to spend time one-on-one away from our group of friends. Kimberely, Deacon, and Mack were scheduled to meet us thirty-minutes after my arrival.
He grabbed my hand and led me deeper into the woods until we reached a clearing I’ve never seen. Turning, he faced me and grabbed both of my hands. I saw the nervousness on his face.
“What’s wrong, Jack?” I asked as I looked up into his eyes.
“Do you trust me?” he countered instead of answering me.
Squeezing his hands, I nodded while hoping he could see the sincerity in my response. “Of course.”
He averted his eye and looked out at the foliage. “I have a secret I’ve never shared with anyone. Please don’t freak out.”
The vulnerability in his voice made me nervous. His secret sounded like a big deal. “This sounds important. You can tell me,” I promised but stopped breathing when he looked at me.
His eyes glowed an unnatural color. The electric blue was mesmerizing, but my mind started to race, thinking of every fantasy movie, until I’d convinced myself that he was Darth Vader or some kind of soul snatcher. I try to run, but he grips my hands tighter.
“I’m still the same person, Arden,”
His voice calmed me enough to look at him again. “What’s wrong with your eyes, Jack?”
He smiled. “Nothing.” He leaned in closer. Even with his eyes glowing, I felt giddy at his nearness. “I have magic.”
I giggled despite the incredible admission. My brain refused to take it seriously.
“What kind of magic?”
“I can manipulate water and ice,” he confessed with a whisper.
“No way!” My brain refused to believe it.
