Ember Frost’s POV

A snowflake drifted down and landed on Eira's cheek. It stayed there.

I waited for it to melt, but it didn't.

Eira didn't move. Not a breath, not a twitch.

I looked at her face, then at her chest, waiting for some sign of life.

There was nothing.

Eira was dead.

No.

I looked at her again.

Eira was dead.

I stared down at her, waiting for something to change. For her chest to rise. For her eyes to open. For someone to tell me I'd gotten it wrong.

Nothing ...