I nodded before fluttering my eyes shut and murmuring the teleportation spell in sync with Aimon.
A shimmering veil of magic tingled over our vessels, carrying us across the fabric of reality until we materialized within the frigid heart of the Wisps Outlands.
The arctic wasteland sprawled before us, a desolate expanse cloaked in ice and snow. The Revivium Empire's reputation for its frozen views paled compared to the biting cold that now seeped into my very bones.
Each burning inhalation was a sharp reminder of the inhospitable environment that surrounded us.
Swirling gray clouds filled the sky, muting the sun's presence. The wind wailed a mournful melody, carrying with it the distant cries of creatures that prowled these unforgiving lands.
Beside me, Aimon's warmth offered a fleeting refuge against the chill.
“Aimon…” My voice was a fragile whisper, carried by the winds that danced through the frozen air. I cast my gaze downward, fixated on the glittering particles that mingled with the snow beneath our feet. “Look...”
Aimon's breath caught as his eyes fell upon the delicate fragments that scattered the landscape. “Ice wraith dust,” he murmured in surprise. He swiftly retrieved vials from his satchel, and his fingers worked diligently as he collected and sealed the precious ingredient.
With a flicker of magic, the vials were teleported to Bastian, their contents destined for what was the key to killing Matthieu. “This is more than he needed.”
“It looks like there was a slaughter.” I glanced around at the sparkling dust all over the snow.
Ice wraiths were aggressive and territorial. If someone or something had taken so many out, it was intentional.
I had done the same here many years ago, but it was not easy. I bet Matthieu had come this way when he destroyed the Revivium Empire.
Aimon met my gaze and frowned. “I’m thinking Matthieu did this. He probably thought killing them would mean we wouldn’t find the dust.”
“Me too.” The frosty tendrils of the cold crept further, seeking to infiltrate every fiber of my being. I sought solace in Aimon's proximity, drawing closer to him. “In a way, it simplifies our task,” I confessed, my voice tinged with a blend of grim acceptance and newfound resolve.
Aimon's fingers intertwined with mine. He pulled me close, becoming my sanctuary against the numbing cold that threatened to consume us. “If only it weren't so frigid,” he mused, his breath a misty cloud as he spoke. His gaze lifted to the heavens, where delicate snowflakes danced in a beautiful ballet. “Hexarium is stunning, even in its chill.”
My head nestled beneath his chin, our bodies a shield against the elements as we stood amidst the frozen landscape. I looked up at him, my heart swelling with love for him. “Thank you, Aimon,” I whispered, my voice barely more than a sigh carried away by the wind.
His beard brushed against the crown of my head, and I loved the familiarity of it. “For what, bug?”
My lips curved into a soft smile. “For teaching me to love again and to enjoy life. Without you guys, I’d still be regarding immortality as a curse. I don’t see it that way anymore. Not when I’m spending it with you.”
His eyes bore into mine, a vast amount of love and sincerity pouring through our bond. “I love you. We all do. You don’t have to thank us,” he murmured, his body shivering against mine. “Now, bug, let's get out of here before this frostbite becomes more than just a threat.”
“At least this was a simple mission. Hopefully, the twins and Silas have an easy time, too.”
The bitter air clung to my skin as we teleported back to the castle.
When we arrived back at the castle grounds, we were welcomed by Bastian, who was waiting with a smile on his face. “The twins and Silas just made it back. They located a lochie, but it was already dead. They’ve harvested the only tooth they could. But the tooth was found in its throat. I have a feeling Matthieu knows exactly what we’re doing—and he’s not amused.”
“Where are they?” I glanced around the hall.
“In our room. They seemed tired, but none of us really slept last night.”
Aimon’s arms loosened around me as he moved forward. “We need to be careful. Matthieu is getting desperate, and that makes him more dangerous.”
“I agree,” Bastian said, his brows furrowed. “But we can’t back down. We’ve come too far to give up now.”
“We won’t give up.” My chest tightened. “What’s our next move?”
“We make the potion,” Bastian replied with a shrug. “Then we go after Matthieu.”
Aimon squeezed my hand, his eyes never leaving mine. “We’re in this together, Fawn. Whatever happens, we’re going to face it as a team.”
Warmth spread through me, and I nodded, feeling more determined than ever. Matthieu had taken so much from me, and I wasn’t going to let him do it again.
