Page 18 of The Snow Queen

She really wasn’t going anywhere with him right now.

By some kind of miracle, she turned to find a face she recognized.

“Fyneria.”

The last time they’d met, she’d been running for her life, holding on to books like they were more important than her own existence.

Fyn had frozen in despair when she’d taken in a goddess before her; until Eira bent down to recover a book she’d dropped, and led her to safety.

The elf dropped in a deep curtsy.

“None of that, Fyn. I need someone with sense right now. My wards are down and something is coming for you. Get your people out of here and please,please,leave the books. No time for that.”

The horror displayed on her face might have been funny if they’d had time to spare.

“I’d die to defend them!”

She believed that, unfortunately.

“Which one is your house?”

Fyn pointed to the next wooden home; as she didn’t feel anyone there, Eira lifted her hand and pushed so much energy she could see her entire arm turning white.

When she was done, the entire house was surrounded by a layer of ice so thick it would have to be melted for an entire month for anyone to get through.

“There. Now get moving.”

Bear had finally made it; she ran towards him and lifted herself onto his back.

“You’re not staying?”

Fyn’s gaze was merely surprised, while Kai’s seemed downright accusatory.

“Someone is trying my gate,” she replied, for the benefit of the only person who might understand; hopefully, she’d explain it to Kai on their way up. “I’ll be as fast as I can.”

And on that note, she was riding Bear up towards her home, getting ready to face the first god who’d managed to find her gate since she’d locked them on the other side.

Two thousand, one hundred and fifty-three years ago.

The girl was young; twelve, maybe thirteen. Her age.

She’d died giving birth to Apollo’s child, like many before her. Needless to say, the intercourse leading to her demise hadn’t been consensual.

They said her snow was purifying, so whenever she could, Skadi molded caskets of ice in hope that their souls might be rid of this trauma.

“I can’t bear it, aunt. He’s getting worse.”

Aphrodite held her tight until she was done crying.

“Now now, little snow. There’s no point in all that. If you really cannot bear what your eyes see, do something about it.”

Two thousand and fifty-three years ago.

“Again!”

Skadi took the hilt back in her hand, and concentrated until it held a blade made of ice. Then, she charged at Amphitrite, who attacked her with water, Aphrodite, who attempted to control her feeling, and Persephone, who prevented her from calling to her snow.

They were hard on her, but she took it for what it was: love. The three friends were older, and ten times more important than her. If anyone found out what they’d planned, they’d receive a stern “don’t do it again,” accompanied by banishment from their favorite resort for a decade or so.

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