Frostbound Shadows

CHAPTER 1: A FROSTY NEW BEGINNING

Chapter 1: A Frosty New Beginning

I remember the moment I died. It was raining, naturally—perfect cliché for the end of an utterly chaotic life, right? But I was already rolling my eyes before I even knew I’d have the chance to roll them again. I barely had time to snark about it before everything went dark. And I mean really dark, like I'd been shoved headfirst into an ice-cold oblivion. Turns out, I’d be meeting that oblivion face-to-face in a way I hadn't quite expected.

Some people say you see a light, that your life flashes before your eyes, or that you're greeted by cherubs. Not me. The first thing I saw was a stone staircase descending into nothingness, like I’d been invited to some exclusive, underground party. With a shrug, I started my way down, the sound of my steps echoing hollowly. At least I wouldn’t have to worry about stubbing my toe.

Then I saw him—the “welcome committee.”

He was leaning casually against a dark stone pillar as if he’d been waiting for hours, pale eyes fixed on me with an intense boredom that mirrored my own. A dangerous kind of pretty with white-blonde hair that fell in loose waves around his shoulders, he looked like he’d been sculpted out of winter itself. He wore a dark, sleek coat, draped around his frame like it was some form of royal robe. Frost seemed to hang around him, and his skin was so pale it practically glowed in the darkness.

“Finally,” he drawled, pushing off the pillar and folding his arms as he looked me over like I was late for a meeting.

I raised an eyebrow, not one to be easily impressed by pretty boys—especially ones giving me that arrogant, I've-seen-it-all-before smirk."spirit of death? Frosty shadow? What, were Grim Reaper and ice prince already taken?"

His lips twitched, though it looked more like an amused sneer than a smile. “Cute. I was expecting a soul a little more... cooperative.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that one before,” I muttered, crossing my arms. “Are you here to judge me or get this show on the road?”

“You certainly didn’t waste time adjusting,” he said with a dry tone that matched mine. “I’ll give you that.”

"Look, buddy, I just kicked it. I’m not in the mood for small talk." I mimed checking an invisible watch. "What’s next?”

He seemed unfazed, the chilly air thickening between us. “We’re going to rewrite that attitude of yours.” He took a step closer, and the icy atmosphere intensified, creeping into my bones.

“Right,” I replied, with as much sarcasm as I could muster. “Because I have a deep desire for a personality makeover.”

His smirk grew. “Then we’ll skip the formalities. Call me whatever your mortal brain finds acceptable, as long as it’s respectful.”

“Oh, sure. Respect for Mr. Deadly Frost. I’ll keep that in mind.” The chill biting at my skin was now unmistakable, but I fought the urge to shiver. “Are you supposed to be guiding me or terrifying me to death? ‘Cause newsflash—I already checked that box.”

"Your wit is noted. But I am here as your guidance," he said, somehow making the word sound like an insult. “And considering you’re about to start over in a new world, I’d say some guidance wouldn’t hurt.”

“A new world? And what exactly am I supposed to do there? Bring sass and eye rolls to the locals?”

"That's up to you," he replied coolly. “But I’d suggest keeping that attitude in check. There are creatures that won’t find it as... endearing as I do.”

I laughed, short and sharp. “Good to know I’ve made a friend.”

“Hardly,” he retorted, not breaking his icy stare. “You’re merely one more of the lost who thought they could outrun death.”

“Well, looks like death came to meet me instead. How thoughtful.” I let my sarcasm drip with every word. “So what, I go back? Start over as some humble peasant girl?”

His eyes glimmered with something between annoyance and amusement. “No, you’re reborn. A fresh start, but with a twist—you’ll remember this encounter and what awaits you.”

The idea hung in the air between us, and I couldn’t help but shiver at the layers behind his words. Starting over, but with this icy glare looming over my shoulder?

“And when do I see you again, Deadly Frost?” I asked with a cocked brow. "You’ll pop in every now and then with life lessons?"

His eyes gleamed, an unsettling chill settling into my bones. “More often than you think,” he murmured, his words carrying a promise.

I’d known sarcasm all my life, deflecting anything that got too close. But something in his gaze had stripped me bare, making me feel, for once, less invincible. The chilling weight of his gaze followed me as I felt the ground drop out beneath my feet.

With a final flicker of his icy gaze, he muttered, “See you on the other side.”

And just like that, I felt the world collapse, shattering into fragments of light and frost, pulling me down and down until—

A scream erupted from somewhere, raw and newborn, and only then did I realize it was my own voice. I was being born, torn from a place I never asked to leave, my soul thrust into a body that felt far too small, far too real.

I blinked up, vision blurred, seeing faces I didn’t recognize. Their voices cooed and murmured in some unknown language, and suddenly, the memories of my past life, of Deadly Frost and his frozen glare, all began to slip like sand through my fingers.

But not entirely.

Even as I lay there, trapped in this tiny, helpless body, I felt a glimmer of defiance. This world might have rewritten me, but somewhere, deep inside, I knew I’d remember who I was—or who I wanted to become. And one day, I'd see him again.

Thanks for reading guys 😊.......
I'm looking forward to your vote and comments too...

.Eve.