She frowns, standing. She nods, keeping her head down, her hand was on the hilt of her sword.

,, No. I wont let you. ,, She promises.

Long story short(because I want to get somewhere): The journey through Tir Na Nog was cold, dark, and terrifying. Even with the Winter prince at her side, Faery was still savage and inhospitable. Ash was the perfect bodyguard, dangerous, alert and protective, but he seemed distant at times, distracted. And the farther we went into Winter, the more he drew away, sealing himself off from her and the world.

On the last night of their journey, they were attacked. A monstrous wolf, sent by Oberon himself, tracked us down, intent on killing Ash and spiriting Claire back to the Summer Court. They managed to escape, but Ash was wounded fighting the creature, so we took refuge in an abandoned ice cave to rest and bind his wounds.

He nodded solemnly, far too old for his age.

She had packed his wounds with moss, nodding once it was secure. "You'll be fine in three days." She mutters, her eyes sad as she stands and moves to the back of the cave, far from him.

Ash blinked slowly, giving her that look that meant he was trying to figure her out. "Why didnt you run?" he asked softly. "If that thing had killed me, you wouldnt have to come back to Tir Na Nog. You wouldve been free."

"I made a deal and I'm intent on keeping it. You're stuck with me alright, so shut it and go to sleep." She mutters, turning on her side so her back was to him, she shivered but kept quiet, refusing to complain.

Ash continued in that same quiet voice, trying to hold her gaze, "You missed a tactical opportunity. A Winter fey in your position wouldn't have come back. They wouldn't let their emotions get in the way. If youre going to survive in the Unseelie Court, you have to start thinking like them."

She hugs him close to her.

Ethan hugged her back.

(Small timeskip?)

The outline of their house grew larger as they approached. It looked familiar and strange all at once. I could see Lukes beat-up truck in the driveway, and Moms floral curtains waving in the windows. My bedroom was dark and still, but a night-light shone out of Ethans room, flickering orange. It made my stomach churn, to think what slept up there. A single light shone in the bottom window, and I picked up my pace.