A Baby for the Snow Beast

Chapter 6: Going Home

SHANA

Somewhere in my head, I know it's a bad idea, but every thought feels a little fuzzy around the edges. I'm so cold I can barely think. "We-we can't." Penn barely glances at me. His mouth is drawn in a tight line, and all I can see is resolve on his face.

"Penn. It's dangerous. You s-said yourself humans c-can't go there."

He ignores my plea, cradling me tighter in his arms.

"They k-kill nonresidents on sight. Take me b-back to the château. I'll be fine."

His jaw tightens. "You can't make it back alone, and I can't risk being seen. I've already risked too much revealing myself to you. The storm grows stronger every second we delay." Penn's eyes soften as he glances down. "You'll stay with me until it passes. I will keep you safe."

His words are meant to comfort me, but all I feel is a growing sense of unease. An entire kingdom of Snow Beasts and I'm the only human? Penn's words from before come back to me, and my anxiety about this decision grows.

My teeth are clacking too hard to protest. I grip Penn's arms, beseeching him with my eyes. Or trying to. My entire body is shivering, so I probably just look strange.

Wind whips through my hair as Penn steps from the shelter, the howling sound roaring through the mountainside. A sharp whistle from him and seconds later a majestic horse appears as if by magic.

I gasp in surprise. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Pure white, the color vivid as fresh, undisturbed snow, with pristine fur swaying in the howling wind. The beast is unperturbed by the violent storm and stands quietly, awaiting Penn.

A smile curves Penn's lips as he approaches. "Hello, Wyn," he murmurs quietly and reaches out to pat it on the nose. "Wynter has been with me for decades. He is strong and proud, but he has a weakness for red apples and pastry."

Wyn snorts and stomps his foot, the soft sound of bells coming from the silver white harness he's wearing. He's a creature from legend, a massive beast worthy of Penn and able to withstand the elements. I'm in awe and can't stop staring.

"He's beautiful," I murmur through chattering teeth.

Penn sobers at the sound. With one hand, he lifts us both into the saddle, tucking me in front of him and securing the cloak snugly around my body.

"Go, friend," he says, and Wyn doesn't hesitate. He takes off like a rocket through the storm, swift and nimble. I squeeze my eyes shut, the snow stinging my face and eyes as we hurl down the path. Penn tucks me in closer, and I burrow down into the impossibly warm cloak. My chattering teeth begin to calm, and the warmth from Penn and Wyn radiates through me. I can't tell how fast we're moving, but it feels like I'm on a roller coaster. While we start off straight, it isn't long before we lurch into a sharp angle, and my back is pressed against Penn as we head farther and farther up.

If I didn't know better, I'd say we were heading straight to the sky, but as soon as I start to get a little panicky, smooshed against Penn and unable to move, we straighten out, slow down, and begin a much slower, downward trajectory. A breath of relief escapes me, and I pull away from him just enough to see ahead of me. I'm not prepared for the sight when I open my eyes.

The wind has calmed to a slow and gentle breeze. There's a light powdery snowfall surrounding us, and it looks like we're standing in the middle of a winter wonderland.

"Oh, Penn," I breathe. "It's beautiful." Before I can turn to him, voices call from the edge of the woods. Wyn turns his great bulk, an excited quiver from him rumbling underneath us, and two of Penn's people riding horses just as massive as Wyn appear through the trees.