Page 15 of The Enchanted Frost

CHAPTER 8

Blanche

One mistake or moment of regret doesn’t lessen the value of a soul. Frost's words, like a soothing balm, eased the sting of my haunting regrets, offering the first glimmer of light to pierce through the winter overcast that had long shrouded my thoughts.

Yet though I yearned to believe him, his sweet assurances couldn’t fully erase the memory of the anguished way he’d abruptly ended my showcase of memories and stormed away, as if he could no longer bear to be in my presence.

Something unseen had captured his attention from the far edge of the icy room, allowing me a moment to study the tension etched into his handsome profile, illuminated by the slants of thin sunlight, further evidence in addition to the baskets of hailstones of his inner turmoil.

I had no reason to care about the whims of a mystical being, especially when strained relationships defined my life; any semblance of human connection I might have been able to previously claim had vanished upon finding myselfin the streets. I had endured my pitiful life alone—forgotten by all the friends who’d never cared for me anymore than I did them—and unaware that anything was missing.

The relentless exposure to winter’s icy elements had numbed not just my body but my heart as well, leaving me past feeling. Yet the loneliness I had buried deep within began to seep through the cracks in my protective shield, reaching out to the first stranger who had ever shown me kindness.

Experiencing companionship for the first time, especially so close to death, was dangerous—it gave me a newfound reason to live, fueling my desperation and making me long for the approval of the very one whose duty it was to claim my soul.

“Will you explain why you left the showcase of my memories so suddenly?” Even with his previous reassurance I wasn’t entirely convinced it had nothing to do with me.

My question beckoned his distant gaze, as if I’d summoned his thoughts from faraway. An extended hesitation preceded his unconvincing answer. “It’s…nothing.”

I frowned. “It seems you’re unpracticed not only in the art of conversation, but also in lying.”

The corner of his mouth lifted slightly, penetrating his somber expression. “I’m afraid that particular skill wasn’t part of my training.” His bashful smile sent an unfamiliar flutter through my heart, a gesture somehow far more endearing than the practiced charm and flowery compliments of all my past suitors.

“Are you lying to spare my feelings?”

He sighed. “Partly, but also because I’d rather not share what’s bothering me. In my eternal experience, I’ve learned there’s no use dwelling on a past that can’t be changed; all one can do is move forward.”

Such a task was difficult when time was a currency I was rapidly running out of. “I no longer have such a luxury.”

The hint of a smile toying at his lips faltered, causing me to immediately miss it. “Forgive me, I didn’t mean to be insensitive to your situation. But as long as you’re still alive, there’s always a chance to progress.”

If only I had some way to measure how many breaths I had left, how many moments were still mine to experience. The question lodged in my throat, too fearful to emerge—until the uncertainty became unbearable.

“Your sudden departure kept me from asking if you discovered what’s holding my soul back.”

He shook his head. “While I’ve managed to gather some information, I feel as though I’m still in the early stages of crafting a snowflake—I’ve formed the outline, but the details remain uncarved, leaving me with an incomplete picture of the life you’ve lived.”

Disbelief momentarily robbed me of words. I’d thought it was obvious what type of person I was—conceited, friendless, at times even cruel—making me wonder if we’d witnessed the same showcase of memories.

Upon noticing my shock he explained further. “Memories only comprise of one aspect of a person; in truth humans are much more complex.”

My brow furrowed. “Yet aren’t we shaped by the experiences that comprise our memories?”

“Perhaps on the surface, but each event is built upon those that came before; without that foundation, everything would unfold in entirely different ways. Don’t judge yourself too harshly for the path you ended up on.”

I longed to believe him, to finally extend the grace I’d denied myself for so long. He had undoubtedly witnessed far more lifetimes than I could ever imagine, and while his experience came solely from observation, Icouldn’t begin to comprehend the wisdom he’d gained over the expanse of forever, watching an overview of all human history. With only my own life to measure, I had no way to determine its worth beyond the harsh lens of regret.

Mistakes don’t lessen the value of a soul.

Though the sentiment was healing, it still didn’t explain why he’d left so abruptly, nor the haunted look that overshadowed his once easygoing confidence. But we weren’t close enough for me to press the issue, leaving that mystery unresolved.

As the silence stretched between us, the weight of unspoken questions grew heavier. I realized how much he knew about me—more than anyone else ever had—while I remained almost entirely in the dark about him. The imbalance gnawed at me, a reminder of the distance still separating us despite everything we’d shared.

My sigh once more drew his questioning gaze. “You possess an unfair advantage: you’ve seen my entire life, yet I haven’t learned anything about yours.” I couldn’t fully explain the illogical desire to learn more about him, but if I was to die, I wanted to leave this life knowing more about the only man who’d shown me mercy and understanding, even after uncovering my darkest innermost secrets.

“It would take several human lifetimes to recount an existence that spans an eternity…but there is a tender moment I cherish that I discovered we share while watching your memories.” He tilted his head, silently motioning for me to follow.

I walked after him more willingly this time, puzzling over his statement. Unlike the first time I’d wandered the icy corridors, I wasn’t simply admiring the artistry of each intricate snowy design adorning the shimmering walls; deeper purpose guided each echoing footstep, a yearning to discovermore about the enigmatic being who had crafted this breathtaking wonder.

---