Page 25 of A Winter Awakening

“You can touch it if you like,” Orteo said gently. He leaned forward. The silver hair swayed with the movement.

Hesitating for a moment, Gael reached out. Orteo held completely still. Gael’s fingers grazed the bare skin of Orteo’s shoulder as he touched the hair, stroking it between his fingers. He held his breath.

Why did his heart race like this? Why did touching Orteo’s hair affect him so?

He dropped the strands.

“Well?” Orteo asked.

“It felt just like I imagined,” he whispered. Gael swallowed. He gazed up at Orteo, who held completely still, watching him.

“I’m so grateful I met you,” Gael said.

“I’m grateful I met you too, Gael.” Orteo reached out and stroked Gael’s face. A light, gentle touch.

“After everything that happened in Castle Evermore, I can’t believe I’ve made such a good friend as you so quickly,” Gael said. “Your friendship means so much to me.”

Orteo froze. Then he pulled his hand back. He smiled, but it seemed tense.

“Did I say something wrong?” Gael asked, propping himself up.

“No.” Orteo let out a breath. “Not at all.” He smiled. “I value your friendship greatly as well.”

Gael’s shoulders relaxed.

Orteo looked at the book by Gael’s pillow. “What are you reading?”

“This is a copy of the journal I mentioned. It belonged to Wrin, one of the original settlers of Ores. Edwin lent it to me.” Gael handed the book to Orteo.

Orteo opened it. He flicked through the pages. “And these are words?” He stopped at one page, tracing the ink.

“You can’t read?” That surprised him. Not everyone in Castle Evermore could read, but most could. It seemed wrong that Gael could do something Orteo couldn’t.

“Not many oreads can,” Orteo said. “It’s more of a human thing.”

“Oh. Of course. That makes sense. When did you learn to speak the human tongue?”

“Years ago, humans from the village would play with oreads in the valley, and I learned then.” Orteo handed the book back to Gael. “But I haven’t used it much in recent years. It was a little difficult when we first met. But it came back quickly enough.” Orteo paused. “Will you read to me?”

“If you like.” Gael lay back on the bed and held the book open. He glanced at Orteo, still sitting on the side of the bed. “Do you want to lie down?”

Orteo hesitated. “Are you sure?”

“Of course. You look uncomfortable, and there is plenty of room,” Gael said, patting beside him.

Orteo seemed to consider it for a moment, then he lay down next to Gael.

Gael took a breath and began to read, “The terrain is difficult and hard to manage. Especially for the young children and the elderly. But we keep walking, everyone doing their part and helping one another. Hopefully, we will reach Castle Evermore in good time.”

Gael read, so aware of Orteo beside him. He tried to focus on the words, but it was hard with Orteo so close. He could hear Orteo’s steady breathing and feel the warmth of his body. He kept reading, not wanting to stop. If he stopped, Orteo might get up, and he liked Orteo lying beside him.

“Food supplies are running low,” Gael read. “The cold is becoming unbearable. We should have reached Castle Evermore by now. But we are lost and do not know where to go.”

He kept reading and reading. His eyes drooped. Weariness tugged at his body. He fought a yawn. He kept reading, wanting to keep Orteo with him a little longer.

And he woke up to darkness and a cold room.

Gael sat up. No fire burned, and the room had chilled.