Page 243 of Frost and Death
“Wh-What?”
Melt? I can barely remove my own powers.
“Just trust me,” he says across my lips, kissing me deeply, wildly, andverythoroughly.
I almost lose my balance from the force of his lips on mine, a snicker escaping in between our kisses. But I indulge in Jerrick’s theory, concentrating on the task at hand.
I count our kisses instead of my breaths, letting my mind wander in meditation as his magic streams through me. Recognition of my own powers is quick, and I tap into them, breathing through kisses, love pulsing through me.
Jerrick’s power runs down my arms as the frost pours outward.
I nip at his lip, teasing him in my distraction. He growls wickedly against my mouth, and it sends a shiver up my spine. The sensation of warm and cold from our magic intertwining is nearly forgotten.
But when Jerrick whispers “Look” against my lips, I break away, balking at the sight.
There, on the marbled floor, is my own melted handprint.
I cover my mouth in astonishment as my eyes line with tears.
I-I removed the ice—no. I melted it.
I didn’t pull it back into me, but Imeltedthe ice.
“H-How did you know this would work?” I shake my head in disbelief, glancing between Jerrick and the handprint.
I gasp when the magic expands, melting more ice and frost surrounding us.
He rubs the back of his head as his cheeks redden. “I thought your power might have been too cold, so I thought if I was able to help warm your blood while you are using your gifts, it would help your magic recognize the difference, allowing you to melt rather than try to pull the frost back into you.”
I… I canfinallyremove winter from Axidoria.
Sobs wrack through my body from relief at the miracle bestowed upon me.
A comforting touch has me smiling up at an already beaming Jerrick, my husband, my king, my love, illuminating my entire world.
Each of my wishes to Yeva was granted before I even realized it. I’ve found a way to save my kingdom. I’ve found there is more to life than grief. I’ve found it all through my friends and my family.
And I’ve found my happy again with Jerrick.
My husband kisses me tenderly through my tears, letting my emotions be what they are, simply existing beside me, supporting me, and loving me.
“And I know, with time, you’ll be able to do this and more without me,” he says when he pulls away.
“Oh, already tired of kissing me?” I flirt.
Jerrick’s eyes twinkle with mischief. “Never.”
A giggle escapes me as his lips find mine, and the energy between us buzzes with our power.
Our love.
I adjust my position, straddling him and kissing him deeper.
He cups my backside as he leans into the kiss once, twice, and a third time, allowing us to sink together in perfect harmony. He rests his forehead along mine, my eyes closing and taking a long, selfish inhale of him. Jerrick’s lips meet my brow, and my soul shines in happiness I didn’t know, didn’t think I would ever find. It cocoons me, rooting itself deep inside of me.
I gaze at Jerrick, the two of us infectiously making the other smile brighter, and I can’t help but hold his cheeks and kiss him again.
He laughs. “My conscience is telling me we need to pack our bags.”
