Page 152 of Wicked Prince of Frost

They don’t know if he is dead or alive.

Deep down, I am terrified of the worst. But I cling to the shred of hope I still have left.

I glance at Imugi. Their expression is strange, but I don’t know the demon well enough to read them. Worry? Sorrow perhaps?

Considering their lifelong bond, not knowing one way or another must be hard on them.

Their wintery gaze meets mine for a breath. The demon offers me a minute nod, then turns and floats from the room, passing through the closed door like smoke.

“I will return by evening,” Mingi says quietly to Iseul.

“I am going with you,” I say.

Iseul elbows her brother in the ribs, giving him a pointed look that communicates a scolding and a reminder about me all at once. He returns her look.

“It’s only been one day,” he says to me. “You should rest for now, Violet. We will keep you updated.”

“While I appreciate your concern for my well-being, I am fine.”

As if in a show of support, Bear bounds off the bed and comes to sit beside me.

Mingi and Iseul watch me. Unmoved.

“You cannot expect me to spend the day lounging in comfort and doing nothing when he could be out there, hurt or dying.” I decide to change tactics. Frustration isn’t getting through. “I need to do this.” My voice holds a tremor I couldn’t hide if I wanted to.

The two of them consider my plea. Mingi’s expression hardens. I think he’s about to object, but Iseul speaks first.

“Then I will go as well.” She offers me a half smile. “If it becomes too much for Violet at any point, I will bring her back to the palace.”

Mingi rolls his eyes in brotherly annoyance but doesn’t argue.

Mingi takes the lead, with Iseul and I flanking him. I opted to ride Joon’s snow-white mare. I’ve never ridden her alone, but Star Runner and I are familiar with each other.

Beyond what is necessary, no one in our little search party is in the mood to speak. Our shared goal eclipses all other thoughts.

The air feels heavy, as if the elements themselves are holding their breath, waiting for Joon to reappear. Thick clouds blanket the sky, casting a melancholy gloom over the world. It all comes together, fitting the mood of our little search party.

Bear snuggles against my back under the shelter of my cloak. Their warm body helps fight against the chill.

After nearly two hours, we reach the area Mingi indicated would be the beginning of today’s search.

He slows for a moment and stares at a hilly area ahead of us, before guiding his mount to skirt the area. Iseul follows without question.

I stop. There is something on the other side of the hill. But why avoid it when we will end up there regardless?

For too long, everyone has been careful with me. I could understand why when the shard caused havoc with my heart, but that is no longer the case. While sudden and powerful emotions could trigger episodes, that didn’t mean I was in danger from all feelings. I am tired of being treated as if I am weak and frail.

I will not shrink and wilt by witnessing the harsh realities of the world. No matter how uncomfortable or painful they may be.

Iseul calls to me as I urge Star Runner forward on our original path. Even without Joon, she is the perfect steed. Part of me wonders if she understands the intent of our mission. A moment later, the pounding of hooves follows.

As I crest the hill, another, smaller one comes into view. At first, it appears to be little more than a mound of dark ash, as if there was a recent fire. A powerful odor hits with my next inhale. The reek of rot lingers on the air.

Not fire. Death.

Mingi pulls up, cutting me off. “It would be better to go around.”

When I try to go around him, he moves to block me again.