Sacrifice (The Snow Queen #2)(60)

“Ta da!” Bluff pointed to the spot where the lightning had struck. It had turned the snow at the site of the strike to water, splashing it in the air, and then Rakel’s magic had refrozen the liquid while it was spraying. The result was a flower-like formation of ice.

Soon, other magic users were following Bluff and Frodi’s example. Bunny transformed into her fox body and bumped noses with anyone who knelt down next to her—delighting Gerta and Kai. Dryden threw grown men up into the air and caught them like they were straw dolls. Eydìs manipulated her rope so it trailed after her like a dog and playfully rubbed against people.

Kai’s face was alight with wonder.

For the moment, he had forgotten the hurt of his mother’s decision. The pain would return, but Rakel hoped he would remember this moment and remember how loved—and lovable—he was. She shifted her gaze to the villagers and soldiers who had joined them on the snow field, smiling as she watched them chat and marvel at the magic users’ displays.

Farrin moved to stand shoulder to shoulder with her so his arm touched hers. “You did well.”

“No, it wasn’t me…” Rakel trailed off, barely able to speak due to the strength of her feelings as she watched everyone laugh, talk, and share. Her heart swelled, and on an impulse, she hugged Farrin. “For a moment, I had forgotten how far we had come—how much better it is now, for magic users.”

Farrin slid his hands down her back. “Kai’s situation is cruel.”

“But we have this,” Rakel said. “Magic users used to cower and hide for fear of what would happen, but we don’t have to any more. There will still be moments of darkness—like Kai’s—but he will be loved!”

“You have changed Verglas,” Farrin said. “Though I fear the rest of the continent is not like this.”

“Then we’ll change it,” Rakel said. “These people welcome magic because they see how it can help them, and how we mean them no harm. If we could teach magic users how to use their magic for good—how to see the possibilities in it—they could change the way people think!” Rakel looked up at him, her eyes bright. “Do you think it’s possible?”

“I do.” Farrin brushed a tendril of her white hair from her face. “Though it may take years of sweat and anguish.”

“If it means children with magic will not grow up like we did…” Rakel smiled and rested her face on his shoulder so she could still see the impromptu gathering. “There’s hope, Farrin. And it’s not too late. In spite of the mirror, in spite of the darkness, there can be good.”

“Yes,” Farrin agreed. His arms were warm and secure. Rakel leaned into him and relaxed, letting his warmth encircle her.

Rakel didn’t know if they stood together for hours or minutes, but she was almost asleep when the gathering broke up.

Oskar and Phile walked past them. Oskar carried a sleeping Gerta and Phile leaned into him and yawned, unusually quiet, although she looked happy enough. “It’s late, Princess. You should sleep,” Oskar said.

Rakel pulled herself from Farrin’s warm embrace and blinked at the horizon—which was starting to glow violet with the promise of dawn. “Yes,” she agreed. She blinked owlishly at Phile. Pleased silence is unusual for her. I always thought she was joking about her admiration for Oskar. Could she—no. The lack of sleep has made me stupid. She tottered for a moment, but Farrin caught and corrected her.

Kai trudged towards her, his face pinched with exhaustion, but lacking—she was glad to see—the sorrow that had defined it.

Farrin picked Kai up like he was a baby. “Your strength served you admirably today,” he told the little boy.

Kai plopped his head on Farrin’s shoulder and, to all appearances, started sleeping.

Farrin held his hand out to Rakel, his expression placid.

She studied him for a moment…and realized that her feelings for Farrin were very different than her love for Phile, Gerta and Kai, Oskar, and Halvor. So much for resisting his affections. I didn’t even last a month. Her inner thoughts were blunt and more honest than usual. Phile is going to cackle.

Farrin tilted his head, and his gray eyes seemed especially piercing. “Is something wrong?”

She thought a moment, then took his hand. “It’s fine.” I don’t need to discuss it with him yet. I don’t know the extent of my feelings, and I have gone too long without sleep. Later.

If she felt extra warm as she trudged through the wet snow and made her way back to Tana, she attributed it to the tall, handsome magic user at her side and the young boy he held.

Phile joined them for a moment, and her gaze swiveled from Rakel to Kai. She slightly furrowed her eyebrows, set her lips in a firm line, and nodded solemnly at Farrin. “Remember: it’s a boy and a girl name.”

Rakel blinked. “What?”

Farrin gave the Robber Maiden a flat look and then smiled at Rakel as they drew closer to the walls of Tana. “I fear the early hours have addled her mind.”

“Probably…” Rakel trailed off when she caught a glimpse of the ground.

A small patch of snow had melted, giving way to the grass underneath, which was starting to perk up.

“Rakel?” Farrin asked when she stopped walking.

We have to hurry, Rakel thought, reality crashing back upon her shoulders. We have to defeat the Chosen. We’re almost out of time!