Page 161 of Wicked Prince of Frost

I continue for about a mile before coming to a halt. They must have seen a forest animal they wanted to play with. Bear knows how to get home. Theyarea demon after all, and are perfectly capable of taking care of themselves.

The woods often remind me of Joon and the many times we rode through them together as we left the palace to search for the shards. At the time, it had been less than ideal—a necessary obligation. One that gradually transformed into deeply significant moments long before I ever realized it.

My life is good, now. It’s what I wanted for so long. I am content and happy with the path I’ve chosen. It’s what I’ve always wanted. And yet, I don’t think I will ever stop missing him.

So, while I travel between the trees, I let myself remember to feel close to him again, even for a moment, without holding back. Fat tears slide down my cheeks as easily as smiles curl my lips. I mourn, but I do not despair. Joon wouldn’t want his loss to burden me any more than I’d want that for him, had our fates been reversed.

Near the end of the woods, a man comes into view. He walks the road in the opposite direction, leading away from Firnhallow. I hastily swipe at the trails of salt on my face.

As the distance between us shortens, I slow Star Runner. He reminds me of Joon. Then again, everyone and everything reminds me of him.

The white mare steps on a branch as I guide her to the side. The loud crunch breaks the quiet, catching the man’s attention. I barely look away fast enough. He might get the wrong idea if he catches me staring.

But my gaze is drawn to him again against my will. I don’t realize I’ve stopped until he comes to a standstill several yards from where I stand.

The stranger lifts his head enough that I can see his face unobscured by the brim of his hat for the first time. For an eternity, my heart ceases to beat.

“Joon?” His name is barely more than a breath.

“Hello, Violet,” he answers.

It’s his voice… with his face?—

Then I’m on the ground and running. Crashing into him.

He’s here… he’s alive and he’shere.

Sobs wrack my chest, and I’m helpless to stop them. Joon holds me until the way of emotion finally runs out, able tobreathe and speak again. His arms slip away when I pull back.

“Are you really here?” I ask, voice raw.

Joon smiles sweetly and brushes his fingertips over my face, using his power to cool my feverish cheeks and already swollen eyes. “I am.”

Tears burn my eyes anew. “Where have you been?”

“Above the Maldan wall, here the celestial heavens and the earth touch.”

“How is this possible? The king’s letter… he said?—”

“Do not blame him. Eojin only did as I asked.”

“You… you’ve been alive this whole time?”

He nods. “Yes.”

“Why didn’t you find me sooner?”

“You deserved the chance to create a life you wanted for yourself without worrying over me.”

“I worried anyway. I would have done so for the rest of my life until I knew what happened to you.”

“That is exactly what I did not want for you.” He sighs. “I thought I could be happy if I knew you were doing well. I did not intend to show myself today—that if I did, it would only make things worse.”

“What?” I can hardly believe my ears. His admission feels like a betrayal. Every beat of my heart spreads hurt and disquiet through my veins. “You let me believe you weredeadand would have let me go the rest of my life thinking that?” I shove him.

He stumbles back several steps. Bear comes from out of nowhere and moves behind him, causing Joon to trip and fall, landing on his back in the snow.

“Then why come back at all?” I stomp over to him.