Frostbitten

Chapter 6

"We're going to find out who did this," Nicolas said. "and the best place for you to do that is at the academy."

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The snow crunches under my boots as I pace back and forth outside our quaint, snow-covered house. My breath curls up in clouds of fog, dissipating into the crisp air. In just a few hours, Nicolas and I will head off to the academy, a place said to train people like me—people with powers. After I got home that day and talked with Nic I got a letter in the post detailing all about the academy and a list of things I should bring. Me, being a stickler for the rules bought it all and it's sat on the porch waiting for Nic to finish checking the house to make sure I didn't forget anything.

"Rose, you're going to wear a hole in the snow if you keep pacing like that," Nicolas calls out from the doorstep, his brown eyes filled with concern.

I glance at him and then down at the deep groove I've made in the thick layer of white powder. "I can't help it," I admit, hugging myself tightly. "I'm scared, Nicolas. I don't know anything about that place, or whether I'll be able to control my powers. I haven't used them since you know"

"Hey, it's okay to be scared," he says, stepping off the porch and wrapping an arm around my shoulders. His warmth seeps through my coat, pushing away the chill. "But you won't be alone. I'll be right there with you, every step of the way."

His words are a comfort, but I can't shake the feeling of dread that clings to me like ice. "If I go to this academy, will it change me? Will I still be...me?"

"Nothing could change who you are," he assures me, squeezing my shoulder gently. "I've been going there forever and look how great I turned out" He joked.

It was Nicolas who eventually convinced me to go. He argued that learning to control my abilities to manipulate ice, water, and snow would not only make me a stronger person but also help protect those I care about. I had been skeptical at first, but the thought of gaining control over my powers was undeniably enticing.

I laughed "Alright," I say finally, taking a deep breath. "Let's go we don't want to be late"

"yup," Nic replies, meeting my gaze.

Nicolas grins at me—a grin that chases away the shadows that had gathered in my mind. "Good. Now get your suitcase. you wanted to visit your father before we leave."

-

The sterile scent of antiseptic fills my nostrils as I push open the door to my father's hospital room. My heart pounds in my chest, threatening to break free as I step inside. The sound of my footsteps echoes on the grey floor, and a shiver runs down my spine despite my heavy coat.

Dad lies in his bed, unconscious, his breathing slow and labored. Machines beep rhythmically around him, monitoring his vital signs. My eyes trace the bruises that mar his face and the bandages around his torso tinged slightly red, a reminder of the mysterious attack that had left him in this state. A part of me wants to pretend it's all ok but I know otherwise.

This will be the last time in a long time that I'll get to see his face. "Hey, Dad," I whisper, my voice cracking under the weight of my emotions. Sadness floods through me, mingling with guilt. If only I had been able to protect him. I squeeze his hand gently, feeling the coldness of his skin against mine.

"Dad... I'm going to Hedera-Helix Academy with Nicolas," I confess my throat tight. "I know you don't know much about the academy and frankly neither do I, but it's a place where people like me can learn to control their abilities." I take a shaky breath, trying to steady myself. "I promise you, Dad, I'll become stronger. I'll learn to protect you and everyone else who needs me."