5. The Frost King

5

THE FROST KING

S omething stirs inside his chest as she rests against him.

Her breaths curl in puffs of cold air. He can feel her steady heartbeat as warmth returns to her small body. The human’s cheeks and lips remain pale and he can’t help but wonder what color will they be once she’s fully recuperated? Without his magic, she surely would’ve perished on that wooden beam. The thought of ripping her town to shreds for leaving her in such conditions plays through his mind. His beast would surely like the chance to sink its claws into something.

Soon, that is all he will be.

Looking down at her, her fragility weighs on him as they journey through the mountains. His magic should keep her asleep for most of it.

A long-forgotten emotion nags at him as he watches her eyelashes flutter atop her round cheeks. He has condemned them both—a thought that may have weighed on the mind of the male he used to be. Allowing one final moment to count her breaths, he gives himself over to the creature lurking deep inside him.

A monster that has no concept of remorse.