Book 5: Chapter 41: Winter’s heart

Book 5: Chapter 41: Winter’s heart

Frost’s men vanished from the room one by one and were sent to the beacon farthest from the mountain. Zeke wasn’t worried about them being discovered—he had sent Ash with them. However, Frost’s eyes were almost bulging out of his head as he watched his warriors disappear into thin air.

“How are you doing that?” Frost asked.

Zeke opened his eyes, smiling at the Pureblood. “Not too bad for a human, eh?” he said cheekily.

Frost frowned but didn’t push the matter any further. He had to be aware that it wasn’t something he could use, even if Zeke explained the process to him. “About my father...” he said instead.

Zeke also turned serious. “How did you get permission so quickly?”

Frost remained silent for a long moment. “It was because of Elder Fang. He strongly supported my request, convincing more than half the Elders for me.”

Zeke pondered that. He had only met the Elder for a short time and could only think of a single reason for why the Elder would support them so fervently. “Snow,” he muttered.

Frost nodded. “That’s what I’ve been thinking as well. My sister must have convinced him somehow.”

Unbeknownst to him, a smile spread across Zeke’s face at the thought of the little girl. He had been worried after not getting any news about her for such a long time, but it seemed she hadn’t forgotten about him now that she was back with her people.

“When do you plan to go?” he asked.

Frost’s expression turned resolute. “We can go right now if you are free.”

"Let’s do it," Zeke agreed without hesitation. This was too important to delay. With the Progenitor back, he would also be able to breathe easier. Despite the tribe's somewhat stable state, the threat of that monstrous old man still weighed heavily on his mind. If the Patriarch of the Frostscale tribe decided to throw caution to the wind, they would be unable to resist.

Zeke stood, and Gravitas and Vulcanos immediately moved to join him. However, Frost quickly stopped them. “Not them,” he said. “The permission was only granted to you and only for this special occasion.”

Zeke furrowed his brows. “You want me to go without protection?”

Frost nodded. “It’s the only way.”

Zeke hesitated. He didn’t believe Frost was leading him into a trap, but he couldn't be sure about the Elders. After all, Polaris's fiancé was one of them, and they were heading into her domain. Who knew what she might have planned?

“That’s quite the risk you expect me to take,” Zeke said.

“Please,” Frost said, his tone taking on a pleading note.

Zeke considered the risks again. If ambushed, he could quickly return via his beacon, but it was still a gamble. Moreover, if the Elders turned against him, his plans for the Mana purifying device might collapse entirely. Attacking him would mean abandoning any pretense of cordiality.

However, looking at Frost’s expression, he realized that refusing would severely damage their relationship—maybe to an unsalvagable degree.

“I’m in your hands, then,” he said, making up his mind.

Frost’s eyes lit up, a grateful smile emerging on his face. “I will not forget this.”

Zeke smirked. “Just make sure I survive.”

Frost nodded seriously. “On my life,” he said resolutely.

That was enough for Zeke, and the two set off. Frost led him through the village, with Zeke once again covered from head to toe. Despite agreeing to help, he didn’t want to draw any more attention than necessary. If there truly was a traitor operating from the shadows, Zeke stood a better chance of stopping them if he remained hidden.

They soon reached the opposite end of the village, a part of the settlement Zeke hadn’t seen before. He had assumed the path upward would be similar to the rough trail they had taken to get here. However, the reality was entirely different. The second exit to the village led into a massive cave. The sheer mountain cliff looked like it had been split open by a gigantic sword.

They approached the cave’s mouth and were immediately stopped by a pair of guards. They had hard eyes, which didn’t even relax when looking at Frost. It was clear that not even he had the authority to bring just anyone inside.

“Identify yourself,” they said, staring at Zeke’s shrouded figure.

“I am Frost, son of Winter, and this is the human Ezekiel. I’ve received permission from the Elders to bring him to my father,” Frost said.

Polaris's smile only widened. “Thankfully, I don’t need your permission, do I?”

Frost was about to snap back at her, but Zeke caught him off. “It would be an honor, Lady Polaris.”

“See?” she said. “The human knows how to appreciate my kindness.”

Frost snorted but didn’t bicker. He led the way through the village, positioning himself between Zeke and his sister.

“I didn’t catch your name, human,” Polaris said conversationally.

Zeke glanced at her, a slight smile on his face. “Indeed.”

Polaris pouted cutely, but Zeke wouldn’t fall for such an act. This woman was a snake, capable of turning on her own flesh and blood. He had no intention of allowing her any advantages.

“Can you really help my father?” she asked after he didn’t elaborate.

“Most likely not.”

Polaris smirked. “You are quite honest, aren’t you?”

“I have no reason to lie about this.”

“I heard that humans have a different system of advancement. Tell me, what stage have you reached?”

“I’m a True Mage,” Zeke answered nonchalantly.

Polaris froze in her tracks. “That’s it?”

“As I said, my chances aren’t high.”

Polaris’s expression changed. “This is a waste of my time.” She seemed to have lost all interest in him.

Zeke shrugged, not bothered by her change. “We didn’t ask you to join us, Lady Polaris.”

She glared at him. “I take it back. You also don’t know how to appreciate my kindness.”

Frost chuckled in response, which only made her more annoyed. The three walked in silence until they reached the center of the village and stopped in front of a large, circular building that resembled a town hall.

“I’ll be on my way,” Polaris said curtly. “Good luck.”

“It was nice meeting you, Lady Polaris,” Zeke called after her. At his words, she paused her steps momentarily but then continued moving as if she hadn’t heard anything.

“That was refreshing,” Frost said, smiling.

Zeke shrugged. “It seemed she didn’t like my answers.”

Frost’s expression turned serious. “She hasn’t seen what I’ve seen.”

“Don’t get your hopes up,” Zeke cautioned. “I didn’t lie when I said my chances weren’t great.”

Frost nodded but didn’t relent. “I have faith. Also, my father isn’t defenseless. He might only need a small push to cross his hurdle.”

Zeke nodded slowly. “Let’s hope that’s the case.”

Without another word, Frost pushed open the door and entered, with Zeke following closely behind. They immediately turned left and ascended a rounded stairwell that followed the building’s curve. They bypassed the first and second floors and stopped only on the third and highest floor. The entire floor appeared to be a single large room, and two people were already waiting for them.

Zeke’s eyes lit up when he recognized them. “It’s been a while, little one.”