Winter Magic: Frostbound Legacy, #1

By Briana Snow and Brad Knight

In the shadowed aftermath of a tragic car crash that claimed her sister's life, Faye is thrust into a tumultuous new reality as the guardian of her ten-year-old niece, Amelia. Struggling to juggle the demands of college and a part-time job at a local coffee shop, Faye is barely keeping her head above water in a life already teetering on the edge of chaos.

 

But the fabric of their already fragile existence begins to unravel when Amelia starts manifesting eerie abilities. The air chills with her touch, objects freeze on contact, and unnaturally, hailstorms rage within the confines of their apartment. Faye's world is turned upside down as these inexplicable powers mysteriously shift to her, signaling the onset of an even darker journey.

 

As fire-wielding demons emerge from the shadows, relentlessly pursuing them, a web of peril ensnares Faye and Amelia. In the midst of this maelstrom stands a enigmatic stranger, offering assistance with motives as obscure as the forces they face. Bound by blood and a newfound, frightening power, Faye and Amelia must navigate a labyrinth of danger and deception.

 

Together, they are the only hope against the encroaching darkness that not only threatens their lives but also the very fabric of the world. The clock is ticking, and every moment brings them closer to a cataclysmic confrontation where the stakes are nothing less than their souls, and the fate of humanity itself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Briana Snow
• Release date: Nov 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223005995

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

Winter Magic

Frostbound Legacy: Book One

––––––––

by Briana Snow and Brad Knight

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2016.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in book reviews.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter One

The scalding coffee spewing from the machine seared the skin on my hand. I shoved a cup under the stream and whipped my fingers around, splashing drops of coffee on the floor.

Damn it! I muttered under my breath.

Serves you right for using your hand as a ladle, Savannah said, smirking from the other side of me, prepping a double espresso.

You’re hilarious, Savannah, I deadpanned, wiping my hand on the standard-issue green apron draped across the front of my body.

Your lack of humor isn’t very becoming, Faye, she sent back, tucking a lock of her short black hair into her ponytail.

She handled three orders at once without a sweat. I could have done the same if I hadn’t inhaled four cups of coffee that day. It was necessary since I was working a double shift. It would be another sleepless night, and that was my fault. I couldn’t help brewing the most fantastic, aromatic coffee at Jumping Bean. It had taken me five years to perfect it. The caffeine level was astronomical, and I was very close to crashing. Shaky hands were the first sign.

I glanced at the clock, which appeared to move backward instead of forward. Though I was surprised to see it was time for my break.

I grabbed the cinnamon scone and shoved it in a bag before grabbing the coffee I’d burned myself on. I was almost to the drop-off counter when I spotted the puddle seconds too late. My foot slid out way too far in front of me. I squeezed the coffee cup, hard enough for the top to pop off and the liquid sloshed over the lip. I banged my other knee into the refrigerator under the cabinet, swore—loudly—and dropped to the floor. I looked into the eyes of the customer, a young guy who wore a mix of a smirk and grimace.

You okay? Gregory, the pimple-face new-hire asked. I was going to clean that up in a minute.

I stood up, mustering as much dignity as I could. Yeah. I’m good.

You better make me a new coffee, said the customer.

I gave him a smile, using all of my teeth. No problem.

***

I dropped my visor and Biology textbook on the only empty table and plopped into the seat. My feet throbbed in my pastry and coffee covered shoes. No-slip shoes, my ass, I grumbled, opening the bag with my food in it. I unfolded the turkey and cheddar panini I’d made, still warm and gooey from the oven. Taking a bite, I clicked on text notifications from Piper.

I hate my roommate.

She’s seriously taking forty-five minutes in the shower.

I swear if there is no more hot water I’m going to spit in her Cheerios.

Why aren’t we roomies?

You need to come visit me, like yesterday.

Miss you times infinity.

I inhaled half my sandwich before I sent a quick reply to my best friend who’d spent the last three years at college across the country, who had the means to fly back and forth on daddy’s credit card, unlike yours truly. Honestly, I wasn’t bitter about her leaving, more about me staying. Poor Faye with her dead parents and stuck in her hometown barely making ends meet. I reveled in the annoyance for a minute before snapping out of it. I didn’t have time for sob stories. So what if most people got through undergrad in four years? I was on the six-year plan and damn proud of it. Even though I’d be paying loans for the rest of my life. I’d worry about that after I got my diploma and hopefully a job where I wasn’t serving coffee or food.

I shook my head, pity parties weren’t for me. Instead, I took a picture of what was left of my sandwich and sent it along.

Piper’s response was instant. You brat! Come out here and make me a sandwich!

I laughed out loud and then was on the receiving end of a few glares from a table of older men. They could stick those glares where the sun didn’t shine.

I flipped open my textbook and started on the assigned reading. I was only two pages in when the sun reflected off the glass front door. I glanced up then immediately leaned over the book, keeping my eyes down.

Logan—last-name I didn’t know—a frequent customer of the Jumping Bean, entered my place of work. Piper was the only one aware of my stupid school-girl crush on the guy. And she was sworn to secrecy by pinky-swear, only breakable by penalty of death.

I stared at my book, rereading the same sentence over and over with no comprehension whatsoever. Blood rushed to my ears, and in combination with the whirr of the frothing machine, my head started to spin. Logan never consistently came in at the same time so I couldn’t really stalk the guy. I preferred the one-on-one small talk conversation we shared while I made his large black coffee, cream and a shot of espresso. For the first time—ever—I wished I wasn’t on break.

Savannah giggled at something Logan said, the sound shrill and forced. The teen had no idea how to flirt.

I risked a glance at the counter and Logan was checking his phone. He looked up and caught my eye. I turned around quickly, chastising myself for staring. My face flushed. I had no reason to hide. I could have done anything else. I could have waved. That would have been perfectly normal. But no... I turned around like a loser who acted guilty over nothing. Dammit.

I held my breath, willing time to speed up and Logan to go on his merry way until tomorrow or the next day when I would pretend like nothing happened. A very grown up approach, Faye.

I checked the screen of my phone and raked my fingers through my dirty-blonde hair, smoothing it back into the bun at the top of my head.

The chair across from me moved and my leg hit the table stand. I looked up, expecting to tell off whoever was trying to take my footrest. I met the gorgeous baby blues that I dreamed about almost every night.

Is this seat taken? Logan asked with a smile.

N-no, I stammered. You want to sit? You idiot, get it together!

He sat. All of the other tables are taken. He pointed at my book. Are you studying? I can leave.

I closed the book and the pages slapped shut. I’m taking a break from studying.

That’s cool. How’s school going?

I folded the remains of my sandwich and shoved it in the bag, my hands suddenly needing to be busy. It’s fine.

He took a sip of his hot coffee and inhaled sharply. I don’t know how you do it, he said smoothly even though I knew his tongue had been scalded. It happened to me all the time.

School and work, he continued. Must be tough.

I get by.

He chuckled. I can barely go to work and the gym in the same day.

He certainly didn’t look like he skipped the gym. Ever. It’s all about balance, I said, trying to keep my eyes on his instead of his broad chest.

He gently blew on the top of his cup before taking another sip. What are you majoring in?

General Biology.

And what do you want to do with that?

Not work here the rest of my life, that’s for sure. Maybe work in a laboratory. I haven’t decided.

So you like science?

I shrugged. I’m good at science. It comes easy to me.

I was never great at science in school. You go to the state college across town right?

Is this an interview? Wow that sounded rude. I tried to back paddle. I mean—

Logan waved his hands in front of him. Sorry, I only get a few minutes with you at the counter once in a while. I thought I’d take the opportunity to get to know you.

He wanted to get to know me? A flush crept up my neck. Oh really?

Yes, really. He looked at me over the rim of his cup.

I wished I had something to distract me. I shouldn’t have put my sandwich away. I could have taken a bite, thoughtfully chewed it over while freaking out in my head. I was left with only the freaking out part.

Unless I misread the situation? Do you have a boyfriend? He scratched at his temple. If you do, I’m sorry and you can forget I said anything.

He was worried about me having a boyfriend? I would have guessed he had a girlfriend, side-piece, etcetera.

No! I blurted out quickly and too loud. I glanced around and settled on a smile instead of the giant grin that was threatening to burst out of me. No boyfriend.

He nodded and his lips quirked. How about we get to know each other outside Jumping Bean?

I sat back in my chair, unable to help myself. What’s wrong with Jumping Bean? I hear they have excellent coffee.

He licked his lips. The best. But I was thinking of taking this really great girl to a different establishment with something a bit stronger on the menu.

Was I dreaming? I pinched my arm under the table to make sure. I was definitely awake and not wanting to pass the offer up for one second more. When?

Friday night?

I had a feeling he knew I didn’t work weekends, a perk from working here so long. I worked longer weekday hours so weekends were reserved for studying. I could skip the books for one night. Let me give you my number.

I was soaring high when I returned to work; even Savannah’s stink-eye couldn’t bring me down. It wasn’t like she stood a chance. Maybe if she smiled more...

The remainder of my shift slowly unfolded. I had an inkling that the rest of the week leading up to our date would do the same. The delicious feeling of anticipation overwhelmed me. I hadn’t been excited about much since graduation from high school, when I thought I was getting out of dodge but instead took a tragic direction. I moved away from the negativity and dissected each second of conversation with Logan. I didn’t want to forget it for my recap to Piper.

When the day was finally done, all the machines and dishes cleaned, and tips divided, I turned my phone on. My boss, Chris, had a very strict no-phone policy while working. I wouldn’t admit it out loud but I appreciated it. The high school kids he hired were glued to their phones, making work impossible for the rest of us. I only had Piper to talk to. And maybe Logan very soon. I’d have to find a way around it like Savannah did. I had a feeling her selfies with the coffee machine or pastries weren’t rotting in her phone all day.

Several texts from Piper filled the screen. At the top was a call from an unknown number. I had a feeling it was the credit card company about my bill. I was waiting for a few weeks to put a bigger payment on it. They rarely left a voicemail.

I didn’t want to be depressed after the day I had so put my phone away, closed the store and headed home. The weather was unseasonably warm for April in Hope Falls, New York. I wasn’t complaining, it made my walk to my apartment even more enjoyable. Even though I was exhausted, the anticipation for the date with Logan made the world sharp and clear. I couldn’t believe my luck after all this time seeing him from afar.

I checked the message an hour later after showering and eating a grilled cheese dinner made from the measly contents of the refrigerator.

The message was not what I was expecting.

Faye, this is Aunt Linda. I know we haven’t spoken in a while but something terrible has happened. Call me back as soon as you can.

Chapter Two

Out of all my family, Aunt Linda had been the most generous. As my deceased father’s much older sister, she was very motherly. She’d always been like that for as long as I could remember, though she had no children of her own.

After flying into LAX she had picked me up and provided me a place to stay on her couch in her condo. After spending three textbooks worth of money on a plane ticket, I was grateful. I was also relieved when she offered to chauffeur me around town for the funeral events.

I ghosted through the four-hour wake, standing in the line by the two closed caskets at the front of the large room in the funeral home. I responded appropriately to the strangers giving condolences. At the head of the line was my niece, Amelia, who I never met prior to then. She had hugged me like we were good friends who hadn’t seen each other in a while. Her black dress made her blue eyes sparkle and I could see a bit of Jenny in them.

At the funeral I stuck close to Aunt Linda, watching more strangers carry the wooden boxes up and down the aisle of the church. I imagined what they had looked like in the years since I had seen them. The last time I’d seen my sister Jenny and brother-in-law, Kenneth, alive was at their wedding. I was seventeen and very drunk. I vaguely remember knocking over one of the elderly on the dance floor, who happened to be Kenneth’s ninety-seven year old grandmother. Then Jenny screaming at me for ruining her ‘special day’ and how I wasn’t able to grow up and on with my life after our parents died.

I vaguely remember calling her the c-word, though in my mind I imagined at worst it was the b-word. Since then I wasn’t invited to their picturesque house in the suburbs of Southern California. The only mention of Amelia came from the birth announcement and Christmas cards where Jenny regaled about Amelia’s many accomplishments. A twinge of guilt surged through me thinking that I trashed those letters for the last two years after having enough. What I wouldn’t give to see Jenny’s perfect handwriting again.

I broke out of my reverie when the hearse driving directly in front of us turned into the cemetery. Aunt Linda turned off the radio when we entered the sacred grounds.

She patted my thigh. How’re you holding up?

I wasn’t sure if she wanted to hear the truth or not. She had been more than welcoming since I arrived. She deserved honesty.

I’m numb. I’d cried more than enough the past two days. I tried to squeeze some tears out at the funeral but my well was dry.

There were a few stares from unknown friends of Jenny or Kenneth sizing me up at the church. Maybe I was dehydrated and needed some water to kick-start the flow again? I had some idea about the things Jenny probably had said to her friends about me. I had a feeling it was similar to the same crap I bitched to Piper about each year after receiving a Christmas letter.

The cemetery service was a thousand times worse than any of the leading events. I did manage a few tears as the caskets were lowered into the ground. The sense of finality was overwhelming.

A small hand touched mine and I looked over to see Amelia attached to me. I squeezed her hand. We were the last remaining members of the Kowalski bloodline. Even at ten-years-old, she sensed it. Regret flooded me. What I wouldn’t give to argue with my sister just one more time.

***

The reception after the funeral was held at Jenny and Kenneth’s home. When we pulled up I tried to place Jenny in the cream-colored raised ranch. Why would I? It was probably in one of the letters that I skimmed over or refused to read. The house was definitely Jenny’s though. The shrubbery was impeccably manicured and framed the house like it had been staged for a magazine. I smiled, knowing how hard she must have worked to get the perfect home she always imagined. My gaze fell on the garage. They would never drive into the garage again as a family. Aunt Linda said the car was totaled in the accident that stole their lives.

For the first hour, I helped Aunt Linda organize the catered food in the kitchen until she abandoned me to speak with other guests. I busied myself, making sure everything looked nice, and moving food around in the trays so it stayed hot. I struggled to keep my hands busy while my mind kept reminding me that I didn’t belong in their home. I was a complete stranger in Jenny’s life.

More people than I care to admit asked me who I knew, Jenny or Kenneth? Their raised eyebrows, pursed lips and hurried excuses to find their way