Fall (The Ragnarok Prophesies) by A.K. Morgen

in that uncomfortable place between past and present. The one where destiny dangled over our heads for reasons we didn’t understand. For reasons we might not
ever
understand.
    If not remembering was kindness, I failed to see how.
    “Yeah, they do,” Dace agreed as we started around the side of the administration building.
    I came to a complete stop, looking around in wide-eyed amazement. The quad looked like a sports stadium. A makeshift field ran down the middle, with pole vault standards at one end. Lines were painted into the snow in school colors all around the field, and the snow on the far side of the vaults was pushed together in a giant pit. Students and others from town crowded onto metal bleachers on each side in a sea of multicolored coats and blankets. Big tins sat all along the edges of the field, with fires burning hot in each one, and huge bonfires roared behind the bleachers.
    “Holy crap.”
    Dace grinned at me like a little boy.
    “I thought you hated snow?” I said, surprised by the excitement etched on his face.
    “If we’re going to be stuck with it, we might as well have a little fun.” He nudged my side to get me walking forward once more. “Besides, I have you to keep me warm.”
    I shook my head in silent amazement, and we started picking our way around the edge of the quad. People glanced in our direction, stopped, and then stared openly. I wanted to bury my head in the snow as student after student poked their friends, then jerked their heads in our direction.
    I feel like I have a giant sign painted on my forehead,
I complained to Dace.
    He bent his head toward mine. “They’re happy to see you.”
    “They’re happy to see you too, man,” Gage said, appearing beside Dace from amongst the milling crowd. He wore a beanie cap with an emblem of the school mascot, the red wolf, pulled low over his forehead. His jacket matched. The familiar crimson hunter was emblazoned across the front. Like Dace, he wore jeans and boots, though he’d opted for gloves like the rest of us.
    Chelle stepped up beside him, smiling at me. She looked so tiny next to Gage. Her cheeks were flushed, and wisps of her long, dark hair poked out from beneath her hood. Her brown eyes were a little puffy, and her face was still too thin, but she looked better than she had when she visited me last. Her expression was bright, and the spots of color in her cheeks made her appear less pale. She was bundled up as thoroughly as I was.
    “It’s so good to see you out and about,” she said, leaning forward to give me a quick hug.
    “You too,” I said, trying to ignore the conversation slowing all around us as everyone tried to listen in to what we said.
    Chelle let me go and moved back to Gage’s side.
    “How are you feeling today, Arionna?” he asked. Even in full winter gear, he seemed as bright as the sun and as gentle as a soft wind. Being the descendant of an angel had that effect, I guess.
    I liked him immensely. He was good for Chelle―and for Dace.
    I think he felt the same way about me.
    “Nervous,” I answered honestly. “Everyone’s staring.”
    “Tell me about it,” Chelle said, glancing around.
    “You, too?”
    She nodded, hunching her shoulders a little. “If Dace hadn’t asked us to come, I’d have fled by now.”
    “You asked them to come?” I turned to Dace, surprised.
    “I figured you’d appreciate the company.”
    I didn’t know what to say to that, especially since none of us had much freedom anymore. With Dace in charge of our safety, we were all on constant lockdown.
    “I’m trying,” he murmured to me.
    “I know.” I snuggled into his chest. “I appreciate it.”
    “Me too,” Chelle said, smiling her usual shy smile. “Even if everyone is talking, it’s nice to get out.” She rolled her eyes toward the students still shooting furtive glances in our direction. “And they’ll settle down once the games begin.”
    “Speaking of,” Gage said to Dace, “you better get