We flew in circles above the clouds for what felt like ages, soaring effortlessly. It felt as though I were flying away from my troubles. I had Hawthorne back, my powers were back, and I was alive. Not only that but I was free, for now I had control over the fire. I understood it. Perhaps that is all that was needed. In the beginning I had feared the flames that had caused harm to my family, yet in a time of extreme need I had managed to call upon them.
It was only now that I looked down upon Frost Arch and saw that it had changed. The snow clouds that usually covered the exact perimeter of the city had dispersed into a thin layer of fog, and it was not snowing. The sun shone brightly upon the buildings and people who gazed upon a blue sky for the first time in years. The Ice Mage was gone, and so was the never ending winter. I let out a laugh of triumph and patted Hawthorne lightly to indicate to him that we should descend, and he obeyed at once. We spiraled downwards and through the castle roof once again where Jack and R?ven waited patiently. When Jack saw us descending he let out a whoop of joy to see me astride a perfectly white Hawthorne. R?ven clapped, positively beaming at us with enormous blue eyes.
We landed gently and I remained astride Hawthorne who trotted towards Jack and nuzzled him affectionately, yet not gently causing Jack to topple over. I smiled and stroked Hawthorne.
“That’s more like it.” Jack said getting to his feet, “How did you know though?” He added to me.
I shrugged, “I had an inkling when Elvira Frost mentioned that he would not fly for anyone. I wasn’t positive of course, but it was worth a shot.”
R?ven was petting Hawthorne gently upon the side of his face, which he enjoyed greatly and thrilled in having met a new friend.
Sliding from his back I walked around Hawthorne who bowed his head to look me in the eye. Looking back at him I put a hand to his furry face and apologized.
“I really am sorry, Hawthorne. It took us much too long to find you … but we are together now … and we’re going to leave this place … If you’ll have me.” I added in an undertone. I had decided that Hawthorne was not my property and he should choose his own path whether it be with me or not.
His confirming nuzzle against my neck brought a smile to my face.
“You and I, Hawthorne.” I petted him lightly, “We’ll be inseparable.” I said as I hugged him around the neck.
Jack’s cleared his throat noisily and I turned around. His arms were crossed over his chest.
“Is that it then?” He said in a rather defensive manner.
“What?”
“You think you’re just going to leave?”
R?ven looked between us, rather confused.
I frowned and looked between Jack and Hawthorne, and then to R?ven for some sort of explanation.
“Jack, I’m still wanted here … by Sebastian Forsythe and the guards that capture runaway humans.”
“I see.” Jack nodded; his expression hard.
“You don’t expect me to stay do you? The only reason I ran away from home was because I couldn’t control my Powers well enough to be around my family. I have them back now, and I have Hawthorne … It’s time to go home.”
Jack glared at me and I felt myself withdraw internally, yet I stood my ground. He was being utterly ridiculous. Where would I stay in Frost Arch? I couldn’t live in hiding at R?ven Blacklock’s house forever.”
“You don’t get it.” Jack said averting his eyes.
“No, I don’t think you get it.” I felt myself growing irritated by Jack’s ignorance.
“Maybe you’ve forgotten,” Jack said sarcastically turning back to me, “But over the last few weeks I’ve been wanted by the authorities as well … for helping you, and now you think you’re going to just leave?”
“What do you want me to do?” I said, my voice becoming shriller every second as my annoyance rose.
“Forget it. Don’t worry. Just leave. Leave me here.” Jack huffed and turned away.
I opened my mouth to retort yet closed it when I realized what Jack was getting at. I let out a laugh causing Jack to spin around.
“What?” He said startled.
“Oh Jack.” I smiled.
He looked irritated for a moment before a sheepish expression crossed his face. I stood there smiling at him, waiting.
“All right, all right.” He huffed.
“You would have followed me, wouldn’t you?” I grinned.
“No.” Jack avoided making eye contact.
I raised an eyebrow.
Jack chanced a look at my expression. I saw his shoulders drop and his arms relaxed at his sides. I caught R?ven smirking from the corner of my eye.
Jack took a step towards Hawthorne and I; in an undertone, he muttered, “I’d follow you anywhere.”
I felt my stomach do an odd back-flip of sorts, yet I composed myself, “Well, I guess I’m stuck with you then.”
“You don’t get a choice.” He retorted.
I thrilled in my sudden lack of choice.
Jack closed the distance between us and embraced me in a friendly hug. I too wrapped my arms around him and squeezed gently.
“Till the end?” He asked, his breath tickling my ear.
“Till the end.” I muttered into his neck.
When we broke apart I noticed R?ven watching us rather amused. In an attempt to deflect her attention I quickly asked; “So … do you want to come?”
R?ven thought for a moment before shaking her head slowly.
“You will visit though, right?” I smiled, “All the time?”