Winter’s Wrath: Frostbound Legacy, #2

By Briana Snow and Brad Knight

Previously published as Winter Solace by Briana Snow.

 

In the eerie aftermath of their harrowing escape, Faye and Amelia find themselves amidst the desolate ruins of their once-familiar hometown. The sight strikes a chilling blow to Faye's spirit, casting a shadow of doubt over their chances of triumphing against the demonic forces that trail them.

 

Despite the lingering echoes of their recent struggles, Kade, the enigmatic figure in their midst, urges them to abandon the remnants of their shattered sanctuary. Reluctantly, the trio embarks on a treacherous journey, seeking refuge in unknown territories, where danger lurks at every turn.

 

As the shadow of doom looms ever closer over humanity, the burden of destiny weighs heavily on Faye and Amelia. In a world where truth intertwines with deception, they must navigate a labyrinth of secrets and lies. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, they are thrust into the heart of the storm, compelled to rise as the heroes they are destined to be.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Briana Snow
• Release date: Nov 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223689706

Briana Snow

Briana Snow writes urban fantasy. Winter Magic is her debut novel, and the first book in the Ice and Flame series. Sign up to her mailing list at BrianaSnow.com and be the first to know when new books are released. Hopefully you enjoyed reading this book. If so, could you please take a minute and write a short review. Briana reads all her reviews and appreciates getting feedback on her writing.

Book preview

Chapter One

The sharp scent of sulfur lingered in my nose, making my eyes tear up. Something behind me clattered and I whirled around, expecting to find a fire-wielding demon standing there, ready to finish me off. I’d barely escaped Hell and now I ended up there once again.

I looked around the room I’d spent the better part of the past years of my life in, serving customers and studying for school. Now it was reduced to nothing. I tried to breathe through my mouth but instead of stinging my nose, I coughed, my throat rejecting the unnatural environment. Heat emanated from the rubble under my feet. Rubble. That’s all that was left of Jumping Bean.

Faye! Kade called from the street. The last words he spoke echoed in my ears.

It has begun.

I stepped over the shards of glass, kicking aside a coffee cup, the rim singed with black. What has begun? What happened here?

I don’t know. Kade turned to me, his normal calm had vaporized like the rest of the storefronts on the block. How far into Hope Falls had this destruction gone? I thought we had more time... he said ominously.

I would have given anything for a straight-forward answer from him. He was clearly as shaken as I was.

My niece, Amelia, her fair skin a shade lighter since the encounter with our enemies in Hell, took Kade’s hand. Her godfather looked down into her pale blue eyes. Are we in danger? Faye, come out here, please. Her small voice tugged at my heart strings.

As if something snapped inside of him, Kade dragged Amelia to where the sidewalk used to be. All that was left was broken blocks of cement, jutting up from the ground. Let’s go, he said and indicated for me to follow.

I exited the Jumping Bean through the front window frame. All of the glass had been removed from whatever disaster had occurred while we were gone.

Where is everyone? I asked, trying to keep up with him and Amelia. I took each step carefully and still managed to trip over my own feet. I mean, I get that people probably evacuated but wouldn’t there be emergency people? Cops? Firemen?

The main road which had always been bustling with people was eerily devoid of any life except for the three of us. The whole situation seemed like a nightmare.

I don’t know, Kade said, opening the door of the car. What I do know is that we need to get as far away from here as possible.

I stopped in the middle of the road. We just got here. We need to know what happened.

Faye, Kade warned.

Amelia stood next to him, a chunk of her now platinum white hair snaked over her face in the light breeze. The movement of air cleared the sharp scent, giving me a moment to clear my head.

This is my home, I said. I can’t just leave it like this without knowing what happened. I thought of Chris and Gregory. Had they been at Jumping Bean when it happened? Were their bodies under the rubble?

I turned to go back. I had to make sure. Maybe they were still alive and needed help?

I can tell you what happened, a familiar voice said from behind us.

The rays of the ascending sun filtered through Wendy’s crimson hair, making it look aflame. Her face was in shadow but I could see the outline of a grimace.

I raced over to her and wrapped her into a hug.

She let out an oomph and patted my back.

Were you here when this happened? I asked, holding her at arm’s length.

No, she said, avoiding my eyes.

If I didn’t know any better, I’d think she blamed herself for not being here when something destroyed it.

We should leave, though. I did a search around town and I think all of the demons have returned to Hell. They will be back eventually. And we need to be long gone.

Wendy was the push I needed to get in the car with Kade. I said goodbye to her days ago, knowing that I might not ever see her again, but here she was. And she had more information than we did.

She rolled a large suitcase from the edge of the road and Kade popped the trunk for her. The car moved with the weight of the suitcase. I wished we had enough time to pack more things. I wasn’t sure how long we were going to be gone. Though the debit card from the account Jenny had put in my name for Amelia’s expenses burned a hole in my wallet. It was enough money to sustain us for a very long time, but I didn’t want to use it on myself if I didn’t have to. Besides, if we ever got out of this mess, I wanted Amelia to have her choice in colleges without worrying about money. I knew how hard it was to pay your own way.

I sat in the backseat with Amelia, giving Wendy the front seat next to Kade. He put the car into drive and took off the second her door closed. He drove down the strip of stores and apartment buildings that made up the street. We weaved through parked cars that were irreparably damaged, some of them still had smoke curling around the air above them.

What happened? I asked, leaning forward. If Kade had a remark about seat belts, he didn’t say anything. His eyes narrowed, concentrating on the road.

As you know, I was staying in your apartment, Wendy started.

I slapped a hand over my mouth. My apartment! It was down the road from Jumping Bean.

As if reading my thoughts, Wendy glanced at me, her expression tight. The building is still standing but the outer apartments aren’t in great shape. Luckily, when I heard what had happened, I came back and filled my suitcase with as many things I thought we might need until we settle in.

We? I asked. Wendy had intended to leave our group. What had changed?

Yes, she said, turning in her seat to face front. I’m in this now. Until it’s over.

What about your family?

Wendy visibly winced. I’ll worry about them once we get you safe.

Faye, you’re going on tangents again, Amelia said. I want to know what happened to the apartment.

I shook my head. There were so many questions jumbled around in my mind. Amelia was right, I needed to focus on the right questions.

When I returned to the apartment, there was chaos, Wendy explained. I saw a few demons leaving, though I knew for this scale of destruction there had to be more from the start. People were scattered everywhere, running for their lives.

Did the demons reveal themselves? Kade asked.

No, Wendy said. They cloaked themselves from the humans.

Did you recognize any of them?

No, I didn’t.

Kade let out a frustrated groan. I almost nailed him on that. It wasn’t Wendy’s fault that she didn’t recognize them. Though I had an idea who sent them.

How did they create that disaster? I asked. I wanted to blurt out more questions but I waited, lining them up in my head by importance. Part of my hometown looked like a bomb had been dropped on it. I knew the demons could cause destruction but that much? What the hell were we in for next?

You’ve seen their fire damage. This is what happens when they work together.

What about all the people? Amelia asked.

Wendy answered, Thankfully the demons weren’t interested in hurting people. The ones that weren’t injured from the act of destruction safely evacuated.

That didn’t seem right. I thought the main agenda of the demons were to take souls. That had been the perfect way to do it. Isn’t that what they do?

Kade shook his head. Demons can’t take human souls to Hell. They can influence them but a soul won’t be taken to Hell if touched by a demon or its powers.

So what was the point of this?

It seems they were sending a message, Kade said.

What’s the message? Amelia asked.

Kade and Wendy shared a look. They’re showing us what they are capable of.

Wendy nodded. I followed a few of them and managed to glean that this was already in Nesheassa’s plan. I guessed she was going to use your hometown as leverage if Kade and Amelia weren’t found. I think she went through with it anyway. Though this isn’t going to win her any sway with the other lords.

Where are all the police? Amelia said, thoughtfully, repeating my question from before. Maybe Wendy had an answer?

All emergency services were knocked out of commission, Wendy said. Here and surrounding areas. My guess is that others are on their way, or possibly the government. It was good that you came when you did. I’m not sure it would be so easy for us if we were the only ones left after that disaster.

I wasn’t sure if anyone would accuse a ten-year-old girl with blowing up a town, but Wendy, Kade and I were fair game.

Are we sure they’re going to be detained in Hell for a while? I asked Kade.

The corner of his mouth twitched. I don’t know anymore. Which is why we need to regroup and assemble a plan.

I snorted. A plan? You saw the number of demons in Hell. Even if a quarter are on Nesheassa’s side, we’re never going to win. We would be on the run for the rest of our lives. Or at least until Nesheassa was able to get the demons on her side.

If you would listen for a second, Kade snapped. They may have numbers, but as you saw, demons can be easily persuaded to change sides based on what their leader is capable of offering them.

Are you thinking of us having something to offer them?

Absolutely not, he said. There are three other demon lords that Nesheassa needs to convince to join her. She has a bold plan to eliminate all ice abilities, as I know some of the other lords in the past have fought to have that ability in their figurative pocket.

Do you think she’ll be able to convince them?

For all our sakes, I hope not.

Chapter Two

We were two towns over before we spotted a string of similar looking vehicles speeding down the roadway towards Hope Falls. The vehicles were painted in camouflage and the serious-faced drivers made me press further into my seat. We hadn’t done anything wrong, but the blame for what had happened landed squarely on my shoulders. I doubted Kade felt the same way. He’d blame the demons. Maybe that was something I needed to work on. Not blaming myself for everything that happened since Jenny died.

My whole world had changed after my sister died. I became Amelia’s guardian and had to care for a child who was wanted by demons, creatures I thought only lived in books and stories to force children to make the right decisions. I learned I was a part of something much bigger than I ever thought. My abilities as a conduit shaped Amelia’s learning of her ice-wielding powers. I even had the brief chance to love—

Logan! I blurted out.

Amelia let out a squeal and Wendy’s shoulders shot up to her ears. The car swerved slightly and Kade grumbled under his breath.

Please keep your outbursts to yourself, Kade said.

I ignored him. Wendy, do you know if Logan is okay? In the chaos of returning to Hope Falls, my mind had been full of questions. They all shoved out the thought of the one person I cared about in the town that wasn’t in our car.

I don’t know, Wendy said. I’ve been busy.

My breathing was loud and ragged in my ears. ‘We have to go back! I rasped. I need to know if he’s okay."

I’m sure he’s fine, Kade said. The demons were trying to scare us, not harm any humans, remember?

We should go back, Amelia agreed. It won’t take that long to make sure he’s okay.

I reached my hand over and squeezed hers. Thank you.

Wendy looked at Kade and his hands squeezed the steering wheel. You can call him when we stop.

What if he’s hurt? Amelia asked. Or his phone broke?

We don’t even know if he was there when this happened, Kade said. There are more important things—

There are, I said, interrupting him. But right now I can’t go on with this knowing that I could have been the cause of something bad happening to him. Once I find out, I promise, I’ll go along with whatever plan you have. No back-talk or excuses. I promise. Please, Kade.

My eyes stung with unshed tears. Logan was all I had left of Hope Falls. If he was alive and well, I’d be able to leave and know everything would be okay for him. At least until I returned. If that was ever a possibility. Though Nesheassa had exploited my weaknesses before, and she knew I would do anything for those I loved.

I shook away the thought. I’d take it a day at a time. We were lucky to escape Hell. Luck had to be on our side if we were going to make it out of this alive.

Haven’t you learned anything from our encounters with the demons? he asked, his voice low and threatening. They know you will fall for these traps. I won’t allow this. You should have listened to me from the start. If I was in charge of Amelia, none of this would have happened.

"Jenny wanted me in charge of her, I said. Not you. She would have named you in the will but she didn’t. I’m sorry if I don’t know about all of this supernatural crap. I made mistakes but I said I’m willing to go with your plan."

Only after falling into another trap. Who knows if a demon is tracking Logan and waiting for you to show up again? Kade said.

I’ll be careful.

Kade laughed harshly.

Or you could come with me, I said. You’ve protected us since we met you. What’s one more detour?

Kade looked at me through the rearview mirror. If you’re able to find him, I will go with you. After we’ve secured Amelia in a safe location with Wendy.

Thank you, I said breathlessly. Thank you, Kade.

I squeezed Amelia’s hand again and let go, clasping my hands together in my lap. I prayed Logan was safe. Then we could truly move on to saving the world.

***

We stopped at a gas station outside of a neighboring town. The destruction in Hope Falls had been isolated to the places that the demons knew I frequented. As if I needed more reasons to feel guilty.

Inside the store, everything seemed normal, except for the news cycle on the television over the clerk’s head. And of course, Hope Falls was the center of attention. A few aerial views of the town prior to the destruction was on a loop while the news anchor spoke. The volume had been turned down significantly so I couldn’t make out what she was saying. I assumed with the attack and the new military presence, there wouldn’t be news helicopters flying around town anytime soon.

Wendy and I agreed that the easiest way to track Logan was to contact his work. While the police and fire departments in Hope Falls had been cut-off, the dispatching center was in full swing. If Logan was okay, I was sure he’d be at work, as they would need all hands on deck after the destruction.

I used the ancient pay phone stationed outside the store. I was on hold for a few seconds after calling the non-emergency line.

Can I help ya? a man answered.

Hi, um, is Logan there? I asked.

What’s that? he said. I could hear multiple voices behind him, fielding other calls.

Is Logan there? I said louder this time.

Who’s asking? he asked.

His girlfriend, I said quickly, without thinking. I’d hastily broke it off with Logan when things with the demons took a turn for the worse, but I knew the title would get me access. At least I hoped.

Oh geez, the guy said. No one called you?

My voice caught in my throat and I managed a quiet, No.

He’s fine. But he’s in the hospital. Has been since the incident. Boy’s lucky to be alive.

Which hospital? I asked.

St. Joseph’s.

I know it, I said. Thank you.

Give him our best. He’s a good kid that one, the man said and hung up.

I placed the phone on the hook and stared at it. Logan was a good guy. And given the opportunity, I would never let him go. It’s for the best, I kept reminding myself. Though I still had a twisting feeling in my stomach that I was fooling myself.

Chapter Three

Kade thought it would be best for Amelia and Wendy to remain close enough to us to reach if this was actually a trick, but far enough away to be safe. We left them in the car in the parking garage across the street from St. Joseph’s hospital.

Amelia’s hair was a beacon for anyone, demons included. Wendy had packed most of the clothes I left in my closet and we were able to disguise her under a dark hooded sweatshirt.

You will call me the second you feel anything is off, Kade told Wendy.

Wendy nodded and turned to me. We’re going to be fine. Say what you need to say to Logan. You might not get another chance.

The truth had stung but she was absolutely right. Now I just had to figure out what I was