Page 22 of A Storm of Fire and Ice

Laughter erupted in our cozy corner, the sound bouncing off the walls. Our shared amusement lightened our hearts, allowing us to briefly forget the chaotic day. For that fleeting moment, things felt normal.

Just as our laughter started to die down, Headmaster Moira approached our table. A nameless knot of dread formed in my gut, tightening as she neared. Everyone knew that if Headmaster Moira wanted to speak to you, she called you to her office. She never came to you. If the headmaster sought us out, it had to be serious.

“Good evening, everyone,” she greeted with a low murmur that cloaked the room in a new level of eerie silence. “There’s been a development in the Ice Kingdom.”

My heart leaped into my throat, but my focus turned to Gwyneira and Fannar. Their usual controlled exterior rippled for a moment at the headmaster’s words. We exchanged worried glances as we braced ourselves for whatever she was about to share.

Headmaster Moira’s eyes softened, as if reading my thoughts. “The Ice King and Queen survived. I finally managed to speak with them through a projection portal.”

“How is that possible?” Fannar’s usually calm demeanor fractured as disbelief glazed his voice. “We saw the Ice Castle collapse.”

“Obsidia teleported out of the castle as soon as she realized the two of you were gone.” Headmaster Moira’s tone held notes of admiration as she answered, “Your parents and their guards combined their powers to form a thick ice barrier that shielded them and a handful of others from the castle’s collapse.”

As the relief washed over us, we remained silent, taking in the aftermath of the shock.

“Of course, there are injuries among the castle staff,” Headmaster Moira continued, surrendering more details. “But everyone is expected to make a full recovery. Some of the townspeople have taken upon themselves to begin reconstruction of the castle.”

I breathed a sigh of relief as the weight of grief lifted from my chest.

Gwyneira spoke first, joy sparkling in her cerulean eyes. “Headmaster, thank you for this news.”

“Yes, thank you,” Fannar quickly added.

“Your people are strong and resilient,” Headmaster Moira nodded, her words delivering a warm conviction that seeped into us. “Now, get some rest. You’ve all had a long day, and we still have much to do. Keep your spirits high, my dears, for hope is never lost.”

As she left, we shared teary smiles. Gwyneira collapsed into Brontes’s arms, burying her glistening face into his chest. Fannar’s hand found mine under the table, and we squeezed each other’s hands for reassurance. Fannar let out a long breath, shoulders relaxing. My own eyes burned, the ever-present knot in my chest finally loosening.

We collected our belongings, leaving behind the cavernous cafeteria with renewed hope. The day ended on a far happier note than I could’ve imagined. But as we made our way back to the dorms, I glanced at Fannar.

His eyes were fixed ahead as he walked stiffly, his arms crossed tightly over his chest as if trying to stifle whatever emotions he was feeling. But I knew better than to press him in front of the others.

We said our goodnights to Gwyneira and Brontes, parting ways with them as they headed to my dorm room. Fannar and I continued to his room. He opened the door, ushering me in before him.

“What is it?” I asked as soon as he closed the door behind him. “You just found out your parents are still alive. What gives?”

Fannar sighed heavily and looked away from me. He was clearly struggling with something, but I couldn’t tell what it was.

A sudden chill in the room hit me immediately. I rubbed my arms, glancing around to see if it was the A/C.

“Fannar,” I said softly.

He didn’t respond, his pale blue eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape. He picked up a book from his desk, flipping through the pages without really reading them before adjusting an already straight picture frame on the wall.

The temperature dropped further, and my breath turned to fog. He was unintentionally cooling the room again. Time for a different tactic.

“Jeez, babe, save some cold for the Ice Kingdom,” I quipped, trying to lighten the mood. “I’m gonna need a parka in here soon.”

Still nothing. Not even a hint of a smile.

Instead, his jaw clenched, and he shuffled a random stack of papers on his desk.

I moved closer, reaching out to place my hand on his arm. “Babe, look at me.”

He glanced at me quickly, betraying the unshed tears in his eyes, before shifting his gaze away again.

“Talk to me, Fannar,” I urged, wrapping my fingers around his wrist, tugging gently to draw his attention back to me. I guided him to sit on the bed next to me. “Please, you don’t have to hide anything from me.”

His eyes met mine again, and the façade Fannar held onto so desperately began to crack. His voice trembled as he finally spoke, “They almost died because of me . . . trying to protect us.” He let out a choked sob, the dam finally breaking. “I should have protectedthem.”

---