Chapter 5. Gates

AURELIA

Night towered over me as I sat beside Felix’s grave, which I had managed to dig under several inches of snow. The cold winds remained merciless as I stared blankly at the piles of stone I had used to make a heap on top of the body. Freckles of snow had already begun to nestle on the rocks and, certainly, would eventually sink them under a mountain of frost.

“Till the next life, Felix,” I whimpered. “You were like a brother…” I was interrupted by a sudden feeling of warmth engulfing me. I turned, only to see Julian covering me with a furry blanket. In all honesty, I was irked by this kind of gesture.

“You will stay away from me, Julian!” I cussed, and he retraced his steps to a safer distance.

“I came to tell you I have lit a fire. It’s right behind you.”

“As I told you many times before, I do not need your help. Do not assist me with Felix’s body or give help or anything! You’re evil!” Warm fluid began to collect in my eyes. “He loved you, trust