Page 23 of Jilted By Jack Frost

“They’re not natural,” Jack snarls. His voice has changed, taking on an otherworldly echo. Power rolls off him in waves so intense my skin prickles.

But it’s the next display that steals my breath entirely. Jack’s form shifts before my eyes—his already tall frame stretches impossibly higher until he towers over me at seven feet. His skin darkens to a deep, mesmerizing blue that reminds me of arctic depths. His silver hair whips wildly around his face in a wind I can’t feel, and without his shirt, I can see the way his muscles ripple with barely contained power. The temperature plummets so low my lungs burn with each breath.

Two more attack from different directions. Jack spins, one hand shooting toward each wolf. Spears of ice materialize in the air, impaling them. They dissolve like smoke in the wind.

Holy shit.

The remaining wolves attack as one. Jack pulls me against his chest, and the world explodes in white. A dome of ice forms around us as he raises both arms to the sky.Through the crystalline walls, I watch shadows and ice collide.

The wolves’ howls turn to shrieks as Jack’s power tears through them. Each blast of his magic illuminates the night, turning the shadows to nothing more than whispers in the wind.

When the last wolf falls, Jack lowers his arms. The ice dome melts away, leaving us standing in a circle of frost-covered ground. The air still crackles with his power.

My heart pounds against my ribs—not from fear, but from something else entirely as I stare at this terrifying, beautiful creature before me. His raw display of power both terrifies and captivates me—this isn’t the controlled winter king I’ve come to know, but something far more ancient and deadly.

The forest falls silent except for my ragged breathing and the lingering hum of Jack’s power in the air.

My heart pounds against my ribs as Jack turns to me. His eyes still glow with that eerie blue light, power radiating from him in waves that make the air shimmer. For the first time, I truly understand what he is—not just some magical being playing at winter, but Winter itself given form.

“Are you hurt?” Jack turns to me, his eyes still blazing with that ethereal light.

“No, I’m okay.” My voice shakes. “That was...holy shit, Jack.”

His power gradually dims, but he remains tense, scanning the treeline. His hand finds my arm, and I realize I’m trembling.

“Those weren’t ordinary wolves.”

“No shit. What were they?”

“Darkspawn.” The word falls from his lips like a curse. “Beasts of shadow, twisted by dark magic into mockeries of natural wolves.” His voice is deeper than usual. “They shouldn’t be this far north.”

I press closer to Jack, my eyes searching the darkness between the trees. “Why are they here?”

Jack’s form shifts back to his usual height, but the intense blue of his skin remains. His chest rises and falls with each breath, still shirtless despite the freezing temperature.

“They’re drawn to warmth.” His gaze falls heavy on me. “To life.”

Oh. “You mean me? I’m attracting them?”

“Your presence here...” He runs a hand through his frost-white hair. “It creates an imbalance. Like a beacon in the darkness.”

“Great. So not only am I destined to destroy your kingdom, but I’m also attracting fucking darkspawn.” I wrap my arms around myself. “Any other deadly creatures I should know about?”

“Many.” His eyes scan the treeline again. “We need to return to the castle. Now.”

“No argument here.”

His jaw clenches. “Take my hand.”

I place my palm against his, that same electric spark shooting through me at the contact. He tugs me closer, and my free hand lands on his upper arm. His skin feels surprisingly warm under my touch. That strange frost in my chest grows stronger, pulsing in time with my heartbeat.

“Ready?” he asks softly.

The world fractures into glittering shards around us. My body feels like it’s being pulled apart and squeezedback together, every atom rearranging itself. The sensation lasts only a second before reality snaps back into focus.

We materialize in the castle’s grand entrance, but my legs won’t cooperate. I cling to Jack’s arms, my fingers digging into his muscles.

“You can release me now.” The words vibrate through his chest where I’m pressed against him.

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