I didn’t ask what Lady Iris, or the rest of the Court, had seen in their visions. It was probably stuff that would scare us off our quest, and to be honest, this shit was terrifying enough. We’d leave the future-seeking to Odette.
Lady Iris smiled as she inclined her head to Odette. “The Alicorn Court will be here in your deepest need, for you are our sister, dryca. When the time comes, look to the pool.”
Odette tilted her head then— like Lady Iris said something peculiar she would remember. Theo grasped Odette’s hand, and our group stepped through the portal as one. We emerged in the woods outside the university, the spires of the school standing tall as the snow fell like clouds from the sky.
The alicorn stone glistened from its place in Odette’s hand, and I felt a fresh bout of confidence.
Half down. Half to go.
Chapter Twenty-One
Ethan
Exam week passed in a blur, and before I knew it, the Yuletide celebration was upon us. Now that I was no longer possessed, time had sped up to an incredible level. All of us were in high spirits after gaining the alicorn stone, and had decided to take a well-earned break between now and the New Year before starting our search for the griffin stone.
Dolinska was absolutely radiant the day of the Winter Solstice. Christmas trees decorated with silver and gold ornaments lined the cobblestone streets as snowflakes trickled through the air. Garlands of pine and berries hung from every building, and lights twinkled above window panes. The smell of gingerbread wafted through the air, and people were lining up in front of a large pile of wood, to pick out their yearly Yule Log.
Today was the day of the Winter Hunt, Malovia’s main winter holiday. As legend foretold it, Droga chased away the sun during the Autumnal Equinox, and today would be the first Tomir would bring it back.
A light show had been set up in the middle of the town square. Emma and I walked through it arm-in-arm, appreciating the scene. There were lights designed in the shape of Father Christmas and his reindeer, as well as other Christmas symbols like stars and gifts.
We passed a nativity scene that was beside a hot chocolate cart. A wolven behind the cart levitated cups to waiting children, who sipped at the brew with glee. An altar had been set up by the road to the cathedral. It was adorned with pine cones, chestnuts, and boughs of holly— gifts to help Tomir chase back the sun.
Candles were everywhere. They lined the streets, providing a warm glow under the twinkling of the night sky as the sun set over the city. Emma observed it all with a rosy blush in her cheeks, pleasantness radiating from her eyes as colors danced across her skin.
Her smile grew wider as we passed a group of carolers. “You haven’t stopped smiling all day,” I told her kindly. Her mittened hand became tighter on my arm.
“Christmas is one of my favorite holidays,” Emma said. “It brings so much joy to people. Plus I’m kind of a winter fanatic.”
“Me too.” I had to yell over the sound of a few snowmobiles that passed— there was a race going on later today.
We’d just gotten back from the public skate. Every year the city froze over one of the squares, and turned it into an ice rink. Neither one of us wanted to get off until it became too crowded for us to even hold hands. If there was one thing that truly bonded Emma and I, it was our love of the ice. We’d dropped our skates off at the university before rushing back into town. Though we’d been in Dolinska all day, we hadn’t even seen half of the Winter Hunt activities.
There was the sound of shouts as red and green ribbons were hung from the stage in the square. Workers were getting the stage ready for the Choosing ceremony, which would be held later on tonight. Delmare and Stefan were both participating, as well as Odette and Theo. Near the stage was a huge Christmas tree, decorated with hundreds of ornaments and lights.
Emma laid her head on my shoulder. “I wish we could’ve gotten to experience this last year but… you know.”
I did. The Winter Hunt had been canceled because of the King’s Contest. If I could go back in time, I wasn’t sure if I would ask Emma to compete again.