I read the note again, scanning every word. MEET ME IN THE VALLEY WHERE THE SEASONS UNITE AT DUSK. I’ve hardly stopped staring at it since it appeared in my pocket yesterday morning. There is no name, but I know exactly who it is from. What I don’t know is if he means peace, because if he doesn't, there is a chance I won’t make it out alive. I debate for a few minutes longer whether I should go, but I see the sun start to set and know that it is now or never.
I run downstairs and pull my coat and boots on. I go into the living room. “Where are you going, honey?” my mum asks, smiling. “I’m just going to Jessica's” I say. "Alright, but promise you won’t stay too long; you know the nights are getting worse.” she says, and she kisses me on the cheek. “I promise.” I say, starting to leave the room, but then I turn back. “I love you, mum” I tell her. “I love you too.” I hate lying to her, but she can’t know the truth. It’s too dangerous. I’ve been hiding it my whole life, and I can’t stop now.
I open the door and let the cool breeze hit me. The winter has been getting far worse lately. Everything is coated in a white blanket of snow. I walk through the town. It’s deathly quiet. The shops have started to close earlier, and everyone is inside trying to stay warm. It’s getting dangerous. I have to make it stop. I turn a corner and pause just outside the forest. I take a deep breath and walk in. Ice crunches underneath my feet as I walk through the forest, but I don't stop. I don't stop as the snow falls gently onto my head, nestling on my eyelashes. I don't stop as my hands start to go numb. I just pull my coat tighter and keep walking. All the trees have frosted white tips, and the snow is so thick I can’t stop or else I’d get stuck. An owl screeches, and it echoes through the forest. I walk faster. The sky starts to darken, creating a shadow over the forest. I weave around trees and bushes until I reach a clearing.
It is divided into four parts: the sky seemingly split, showering, sunny, windy, and snowing all at the same time. On the floor there is a circle of old-looking stones with ancient writing and symbols on them. Somehow, they are not covered in snow. I can sense the magic in the air.
“You came.” A deep voice comes from behind me. I whip around and see a large, imposing figure wrapped in a cloak the colour of midnight. It hides all but his piercing blue eyes. I stare straight into them. “I don't have a choice.” I reply.
He chuckles. ”It isn't funny. The world is dying.” I snap. I felt anger rising inside me, and the tips of my fingers went cold. "True, true child of winter, but shouldn't you be happy?“ he smirks as he asks the question.
"How can I be happy when people, plants, and animals are dying?” My voice raises slightly, but he just smiles. “What do I have to do?” I ask.
“Haven’t you figured it out? The eternal winter began the day you were born; your presence on the earth made winter too powerful, too strong.” He points at me accusingly. “So, what do I have to do?” I repeat. “A sacrifice must be made.” He sounded almost gleeful. “To balance the seasons, I’m sure you understand.” I feel a wave of panic wash over me. My hands start to shake, and I quickly hide them behind my back, but he saw. “Don’t be scared, child.” he says.
I step slowly back the way I came. “Come now, young one. Isn’t this what you want?” He is completely in his element, a malicious grin on his face. I turn and run. I sprint into the forest, running faster than I have ever run before. My heart is practically jumping out of my chest. I run for what feels like hours, until I finally stop. I’m safe.
I turn around and jump out of my skin, because there he is. Arms crossed as if I were a naughty child. I try to run again, but in a flash, he pulls me back, holding me so tight that I can hardly breathe. I shoot a blast of ice towards his face, but he easily dodges. He laughs and places his hand over mine. “Nice try, young one.” He says. I try to shoot another blast of ice, but I can’t. He’s stopped my powers. He flicks his free hand, and a steep cliff appears.
“Please don’t hurt me.” I whisper. In return, he grins and pulls me to the edge. "Goodbye, child of winter.”
Time seems to slow as his hands lift off my body, and I plummet down into the darkness.
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