Frost Arch (47 page)

“No, I don’t think you get it.” I felt myself growing irritated by Jack’s ignorance.

“Maybe you’ve forgotten,” Jack said sarcastically turning back to me, “But over the last few weeks I’ve been wanted by the authorities as well … for helping you, and now you think you’re going to just leave?”

“What do you want me to do?” I said, my voice becoming shriller every second as my annoyance rose.

“Forget it. Don’t worry. Just leave. Leave me here.” Jack huffed and turned away.

I opened my mouth to retort yet closed it when I realized what Jack was getting at. I let out a laugh causing Jack to spin around.

“What?” He said startled.

“Oh Jack.” I smiled.

He looked irritated for a moment before a sheepish expression crossed his face. I stood there smiling at him, waiting.

“All right, all right.” He huffed.

“You would have followed me, wouldn’t you?” I grinned.

“No.” Jack avoided making eye contact.

I raised an eyebrow.

Jack chanced a look at my expression. I saw his shoulders drop and his arms relaxed at his sides. I caught Ræven smirking from the corner of my eye.

Jack took a step towards Hawthorne and I; in an undertone, he muttered, “I’d follow you anywhere.”

I felt my stomach do an odd back-flip of sorts, yet I composed myself, “Well, I guess I’m stuck with you then.”

“You don’t get a choice.” He retorted.

I thrilled in my sudden lack of choice.

Jack closed the distance between us and embraced me in a friendly hug. I too wrapped my arms around him and squeezed gently.

“Till the end?” He asked, his breath tickling my ear.

“Till the end.” I muttered into his neck.

When we broke apart I noticed Ræven watching us rather amused. In an attempt to deflect her attention I quickly asked; “So … do you want to come?”

Ræven thought for a moment before shaking her head slowly.

“You will visit though, right?” I smiled, “All the time?”

Ræven nodded this time, smiling.

“You know where I live.” I said sheepishly.

It was awkward for a few moments before I spoke.

“We had better get moving soon. The Creeley twins bolted when things started going downhill for them. They might bring reinforcements here.”

Jack and Ræven nodded in agreement and together we set out for Ræven’s home upon Hawthorne’s back for there were still some things within her house that belonged to Jack and I. Not to mention I was wearing nothing but a cloak fastened around me.

We made it to her home effortlessly for many people were too busy looking at the periwinkle blue sky, a sight that had not been seen for many years. Jack himself had never known a day without snow for he had never stepped foot out of Frost Arch. But the snow on the street was melting away and trickling along the gutters. Hawthorne had remained hidden within the forest while we had walked to Ræven’s through the slush.

Once there we ate, packed Jack’s clothes up, and I borrowed a couple of Ræven’s dresses as I had no wardrobe of my own.

Jack and I said our goodbyes to Ræven yet we knew we would see her again soon for she promised to visit every week. Much hugging took place in the forest, and Ræven kissed my cheeks and forehead many times. Clambering upon Hawthorne’s back, Jack and I looked at each other happily. Jack was very excited about leaving Frost Arch, yet I saw fear in his eyes as he dove into the unknown.

“Goodbye.” Ræven waved at us. Jack’s arms were wrapped around my waist. He had never ridden Hawthorne before and was quite apprehensive, “Have a safe journey home!”

“Bye Ræven!” I waved excitedly. Petting Hawthorne and grinning from ear to ear I nudged my heels into his side and we took off into the sky. We waved to Ræven until she was nothing but a speck among the trees down below. The cool air cleared my head. I glanced back at Jack who was simply beaming.

“This is it!” I called to him over the rushing wind.

“Are you sure your family won’t mind?” Jack asked for the hundredth time since leaving Frost Mountain.

I let out a laugh. I didn’t have a care in the world.

“They will love you.” I reassured him, “And you will find work very easily.”

“What will they think of Hawthorne?” Jack questioned.

I thought about this for a moment. What would my parents say to an enormous beast entering their home?

“We’ll see.” I smiled. Who couldn’t love these two? It was impossible.

With the smile still plastered to my face I set off for Mortlock with Jack. Finally, I was going home, and I couldn’t think of a single person I would rather be going with.