Why Should I Tell You Anything? COMPLETED

Help From A Friend

An icy wind blew brittle snow up into the air, slicing at my face like tiny knives. My body shakes from the cold as snow shoves up my boots and down my ankles. My head bent low, I trudge through the heavy snow and thick underbrush. Thick pines dressed in white gowns sway with the wicked wind of the north as snow drops from their branches in clumps.

My skin is wet with sweat and slowly freezing because of it. Stinging pains from the cold worsen with each passing second. My legs are weak from running and my adrenaline flushed out of my system a while ago. My throat begins to ache with bruises along with a few other injuries I earned along the way.

However, the air was clearer here. Fresher. I oddly relished the cold because it meant I am in my own world again. I am home.

My arms begin to tremble from weakness as I carry Adrien's small body through the snow. He breathes peacefully in my arms with his hands curled at his chest, still twitching from adrenaline. Tiny snowflakes flutter on his pale face and stick on the bloodstains which match his hair. But at least Adrien is calm now. He passed out due to sheer exhaustion after we crossed the border. He said this would happen.

I begin to march through the snow as the levels rise to my knees. I wince as snow slips down my boots and slides against my bare legs. My body slowly numbs from the biting cold. I glance down worriedly at Shiloh and Gideon who walk at my sides. Both grip the edge of my cloak and stay close, fearing they might get lost.

Gideon is shivering violently as he stares at the snow with mild curiosity. Although, his fire dulled a while ago as reality sank in. Shiloh hasn't said a word since we crossed over.

I blink a few flakes from my eyes before trudging on and following the unmarked path. I take a few shaky breaths as determination burns in my heart keeping my spirit alive. We are going to get out of this together. We're going to make it back.

Unlike before, there is a drastic difference in the atmosphere of the forest.

The ominous presence seemed to have lifted from the forest leaving no traces of fear. I felt no worry or panic from walking in the forest as I did before. I wasn't afraid anymore. I faced the monster, tamed it, and walked away. I'm stronger now.

I am also extremely proud of myself. I somewhat kept a level head throughout this entire experience. Though I had a few mental breakdowns along the way, I never completely fell for the boys or got swept up in the drama of romance. Mom would be proud of me for that. I didn't let my guard down and didn't let myself get too distracted. I did make a few mistakes, but no one is perfect.

I did not give into temptation. I didn't act like a ditsy teenage girl, I was stronger than that. Unlike my namesake, I resisted temptation. I passed the test and turned away from the snake of sin.

"We made it," Gideon whispers shakily. His small body trembles from the cold, stumbling through the snow with newfound clumsiness. "We're here."

I look up wearily following his gaze.

Just up ahead, the forest thins away and a barb wire fence appears among the thick snow. I blink a few times as shock settles in my mind like a cloud. My heart begins to race with sudden relief. I slowly pick up the pace as I break into a happy smile as tears form in my eyes. My feet crunch louder on the snow as I begin to jog, dragging poor Gideon and Shiloh behind me.

I let out a surprised laugh before looking back down at the boys. "W-We made it," I repeat as my heart soars. We're alive. We're here and we're alive! It's done! But their expressions remain grave. My smile fades feeling oddly guilty for celebrating so soon. I should get them home. They're freezing out here.