Chapter 136- Ella’s dilemma
Ella
I gaze around at the icy mountains, squinting up at the sky. The sun is high overhead, only halfway through its daily journey from East to West. That means it’s about noon… three hours from when I found the passage, according to the bedroom clock. The Prince’s deadline isn’t until dusk, which means there’s still time to get word to Sincalir, assuming I can figure out how to get back to the city.
Suddenly I’m kicking myself for leaving my go-bag behind. My coat wasn’t there because it had been stained and damaged, but I had other clothes inside, things I could layer onto my body to try and provide myself some warmth. I might move faster without the weight, but lightness won’t help me if I drop dead from hypothermia.
Just keep your blood moving. My wolf advises, as long as your heart is pumping it will keep you warm.
Not if I’m sweating. I counter, the liquid will just freeze and kill me faster.
Then stay active, but not so active that you’re sweating. You don’t want to stress the baby anyway. She advises,
Alright. I agree. How far do you think the valley is?
Well, it’s nowhere in sight, so we must be on the wrong slope of the mountain. My wolf reasons, making my heart sink.
So what? I have to go over it? I ask in horror, looking up at the snow covered peak. There’s no way I can make that sort of climb without gear, and it would certainly take more time than I have to spare. Besides, I’d probably fall into a crevasse or get buried in an avalanche. There is no way in hell I can survive that journey.
come after us. All we can
right. I’d wanted to prevent Sinclair from encountering any more danger than he already has, but beggars can’t be choosers, and right now I’m certainly a beggar. So do I stay put and walk in circles,
least, surely I’d have a better chance if… My thoughts
and try to open it again, looking around
angrily.
into the snow with a wordless scream of outrage and misery. Get up! My
I jump back onto my feet. The tears from frost on my cheeks, and I rub away the crystalline particles, trying to keep my wits about
will keep me warmer than the shaded forest, it’s also lower elevation and I might find shelter for the night.
suggestion. If you wake me fully we’ll be able to handle the elements. Wolves
my belly. Not unless we have no other choice. Those
sorrowfully, but this is life and death. If you don’t make it,
emergencies I bet there’s some sort of
We keep moving
rub my belly and give a word of comfort to my growing pup. “It’s okay, angel.
opening in the dense trees, but I can’t seem to decipher anything but ice and snow. I’m already exhausted, and my skin stings with the bite of the glacial wind.
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