An icy wind blew brittle snow up into the air, slicing at my face like tiny knives. My body shakes from the cold as snow shoves up my boots and down my ankles. My head bent low, I trudge through the heavy snow and thick underbrush. Thick pines dressed in white gowns sway with the wicked wind of the north as snow drops from their branches in clumps.

My skin is wet with sweat and slowly freezing because of it. Stinging pains from the cold worsen with each passing second. My legs are weak from running and my adrenaline flushed out of my system a while ago. My throat begins to ache with bruises along with a few other injuries I earned along the way.

However, the air was clearer here. Fresher. I oddly relished the cold because it meant I am in my own world again. I am home.

My arms begin to tremble from weakness as I carry Adrien's small body through the snow. He breathes peacefully in my arms with his hands curled at his chest, still twitching from adrenaline. Tiny snowflakes flutter on his pale face and stick on the bloodstains which match his hair. But at least Adrien is calm now. He passed out due to sheer exhaustion after we crossed the border. He said this would happen.

I begin to march through the snow as the levels rise to my knees. I wince as snow slips down my boots and slides against my bare legs. My body slowly numbs from the biting cold. I glance down worriedly at Shiloh and Gideon who walk at my sides. Both grip the edge of my cloak and stay close, fearing they might get lost.

Gideon is shivering violently as he stares at the snow with mild curiosity. Although, his fire dulled a while ago as reality sank in. Shiloh hasn't said a word since we crossed over.

I blink a few flakes from my eyes before trudging on and following the unmarked path. I take a few shaky breaths as determination burns in my heart keeping my spirit alive. We are going to get out of this together. We're going to make it back.

Unlike before, there is a drastic difference in the atmosphere of the forest.

The ominous presence seemed to have lifted from the forest leaving no traces of fear. I felt no worry or panic from walking in the forest as I did before. I wasn't afraid anymore. I faced the monster, tamed it, and walked away. I'm stronger now.

I am also extremely proud of myself. I somewhat kept a level head throughout this entire experience. Though I had a few mental breakdowns along the way, I never completely fell for the boys or got swept up in the drama of romance. Mom would be proud of me for that. I didn't let my guard down and didn't let myself get too distracted. I did make a few mistakes, but no one is perfect.

I did not give into temptation. I didn't act like a ditsy teenage girl, I was stronger than that. Unlike my namesake, I resisted temptation. I passed the test and turned away from the snake of sin.

"We made it," Gideon whispers shakily. His small body trembles from the cold, stumbling through the snow with newfound clumsiness. "We're here."

I look up wearily following his gaze.

Just up ahead, the forest thins away and a barb wire fence appears among the thick snow. I blink a few times as shock settles in my mind like a cloud. My heart begins to race with sudden relief. I slowly pick up the pace as I break into a happy smile as tears form in my eyes. My feet crunch louder on the snow as I begin to jog, dragging poor Gideon and Shiloh behind me.

I let out a surprised laugh before looking back down at the boys. "W-We made it," I repeat as my heart soars. We're alive. We're here and we're alive! It's done! But their expressions remain grave. My smile fades feeling oddly guilty for celebrating so soon. I should get them home. They're freezing out here.

"Come on," I encourage gently, smiling warmly at the two boys. "Let's go."

Shiloh looks up with dazed eyes appearing distant. He stumbles forward before snapping out of it. I give him a curious look, "What?"

Shiloh's eyes lower with confusion before beginning to smile. "Nothing. It's nothing."

Gideon flashes him a curious look as well. "Did you see something? Even on this side?"

"No," Shiloh answers tenderly. He smiles to himself before suddenly grabbing me around my waist. I pause in surprise as I look down at him. Shiloh closes his eyes before snuggling his head against me. He smiles wider before laughing, "I just can't believe after all these years, I am finally back home."

I smile down at him before nodding.

Gideon watches him for a moment before smiling. He grabs ahold of my other side and gazes up at me with puppy dog eyes. His wild brown hair adorably curls around his face with sparkling copper eyes. "I'm just glad we're all together," he comments in his squeaky voice.

I chuckle softly before nodding at him. "Me too."

"Let's go, I'm freezing," Shiloh urges in a lighter tone.

"How can people live like this?" Gideon asks incredulously. "Does snow even have a purpose or is it just to annoy people?"

I laugh in response as we begin walking again. "It's just the weather, I guess. It's pretty, isn't it?"

Gideon scoffs as he marches through the snow. "It's cold," he complains spitefully. He smiles softly and grips the edge of my cloak tighter.

We finally reach the edge of the forest after stumbling through underbrush and tangled branches. We lead the boys out to the barb wire fence before coming face to face with my house. My heart lifts with happiness at the sight of it, even if half the house has been destroyed from the Masser attack.

The fence is weighed with snow patches causing its wires to bend. Snow piles up at the base with patches of long grass and branches poking out from underneath. Just beyond it is my snowy backyard and broken house with construction beams already placed inside. Broken parts of the porch are scattered around the backyard and I can see the faint imprints of where we ran from the house and the dips of where the Masser stepped.

The snow begins to fall harder as the wind picks up. The clouds remain heavy in the sky as they muffle the sun completely.

I take a shaky breath as I look down the three boys once again. They are leaving the forest behind now. Everything will be okay now. It will be okay. And together, we left the forest behind leaving all our fears in its wintery shadows.

〰✷〰

I gently set Adrien on the couch near our fallen Christmas tree. I hadn't noticed it had fallen until now. Unpinning my cloak, I wrap him inside it making sure he will be warm. Adrien moans softly, reaching up like a real child with pain flashing across his face. I watch him grasp at the air in front of him for a moment before taking one of his hands.

Adrien pauses as he holds my hand tightly before slowly pulling it toward him. My eyes widen as he presses my hand against his chest. I feel his racing heart through his tiny ribs causing my own heart to melt. Adrien sighs with satisfaction before relaxing, gripping my hand tightly.

Gideon and Shiloh watch silently from behind me.

"I hope he's okay..." Gideon worries, shuffling his feet. He rubs his arms quickly trying to warm himself up. "He usually hates being touched..."

"I know," I answer sadly. "I just hope he can hold on until I call the ambulance."

"Ambulance?" Gideon asks confusedly, making a face. "What's that?"

"Like a medic... people here become doctors, right?" Shiloh asks, glancing up at me for confirmation.

I nod. "Yeah, my mom is actually a nurse. She helps the doctors at the hospital, where they take injured or sick people. You can call an 'ambulance' and the hospital sends a car to come get you because you are unable to get there fast enough or too hurt to drive."

Gideon looked more confused this time.

Shiloh pats his shoulder reassuringly, "Don't worry, I'll explain."

"Alright," I say before slowly pulling my hand from Adrien's. He grimaces before gripping my hand tighter. I pause and sigh sadly, not wanting to let go. But he'll bleed out if I don't go.

"We got him, you can go," Shiloh reassures me, before walking up to the couch. He kneels down next to it before trading his hand for mine. Adrien takes the bait and holds Shiloh's hand instead.

"Where are you going?" Gideon asks, fear entering his voice. "You aren't going to leave us, right?"

"OF course not," I answer immediately, "I am going to run to my neighbor's house to call an ambulance. I lost my phone when we were running from the Masser and Mom isn't here. She is probably over at her parents' house for Christmas or staying in a hotel," I explain quickly as I slip on my sweatshirt I left in the closet a while back. "I will be right back, don't worry."

Gideon bit his lip before shaking his head. "No."

"No?"

"No, I'm going with you," he says sternly, "I'm not going to let you go off on your own."

"You do remember she lives here, right?" Shiloh asks incredulously. "There are no monsters here, she doesn't need protection anymore. She's in her own territory."

"Well I-," Gideon begins indignantly before hesitating to continue. "I-I just think it's good idea for me to come with you."

"Giddy, no offense, but do you really think you can fight in that body?"

Gideon glares at Shiloh. "Yes, I can." He pulls out his still bloody knife before twirling it expertly between his fingers. "I'll go with her, just in case."

"Alright but we have to hurry," I rush as my worry grows with every passing second. We're losing time by arguing. I have to get Adrien medical help immediately. I don't think his methods will hold for much longer. "You'll be okay by yourself, right Shiloh?" I ask as I open the front door letting Gideon go out first.

Shiloh nods before pulling out his knife. "I'll be okay. Go."

I head outside before shutting the door behind me. I find Gideon halfway down the driveway looking hopelessly confused as he stares at the road ahead. I catch up to him easily before beckoning him to follow. "Come on, her house is just this way," I say before sprinting toward our nearest neighbor. Gideon runs after me with flailing limbs, still unsteady in the snow. And still covered in blood.

I just hope Clara doesn't mind. I hope she understands.

Clara has been a family friend for years. She is the chief of police and worked with my dad on the force. She also knew Mom from their years in high school together. Mom and Clara even have a monthly tradition of getting coffee together where they'd always order the same thing and lose track of time. She is tough but also very sweet to her close friends.

A brief thought of panic flashes through my head wondering if she's even home for Christmas. Until I remember she had to work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day's night shift and said last week that she'd celebrate Christmas with her family the day after Christmas Day so she wouldn't be completely sleep deprived.

I round her house and race up her front steps as a sense of urgency takes over. I quickly ring her doorbell, bouncing lightly on the porch holding my breath. What if she's not here? Do I try the neighbor? No, they're in California for break... okay so maybe the next one over? But that's so far... Will Adrien be alright if I have to run that far? All I need is a phone! It's all I need, hopefully...

I ring the doorbell again feeling my heart race. Gideon finally catches up and stumbles up the steps. He pants loudly before flashing me a weird look. "Why are you running so fast?"

"I'm worried Adrien will bleed out," I answer quickly before trying to peek through her door window. Please come... "He needs medical attention."

"We already did that," Gideon answers obviously. "Adrien's medicine always works."

"I just... want to make sure he's okay," I reply nervously. "You haven't seen our medical methods yet... we have machines, lab created vaccines, professionals who are specially trained for this... Sorry if you don't understand. When we get to the hospital I'll explain more but right now-"

The door suddenly opens, scaring the both of us. I jump back with wide eyes finding Clara standing in the doorway with a bleary look. Her eyes rimmed red with rosy cheeks-, wait why is she crying? She looks up at me with a dazed look before rubbing her eyes.

"Clara?" I ask hopefully, "Um, I-I need to borrow your phone..."

A moment passes.

Gideon drew closer to me with a warning look. His hand reaching for his hidden knife as he eyed her suspiciously.

Clara's eyes widen in shock before she gasps. "EVE! Oh my God, EVE!" She pulls me into a rough hug before nearly squeezing the life out of me. I break into a relieved smile before hugging her back. "Hey Clara..."

She pulls back with a storm of emotions playing across her face. Relief, bewilderment, happiness, and confusion take turns in appearing. "I-I can't believe it! Eve, you're alive! We thought you were-, your footsteps lead into the forest a-and the house, oh Eve!" She hugs me again beginning to sniffle loudly. "Where did you go?" she asks shakily, "Where have you been? What even happened?"
"I'll explain everything but please, my friend, he's hurt," I rush pulling back from her. I study her for a minute before smiling weakly. "Oh, don't cry, Clara... you don't need to cry..."

Clara sniffles before nodding quickly. "Ah, yes. Sorry, I'm just a bit overwhelmed." She takes a deep breath before letting her wild thoughts calm. Her eyes harden with seriousness before she nods. "Do we need to call the ambulance?" she asks.

I nod quickly, "Yes. H-He got stabbed in the stomach..." I trail off unsure how to explain everything. I take a few steps back and nearly bump into Gideon who has become my shadow. "I promise I'll explain everything but I don't have a phone to call..."

She is already pulling out her's and nods at me. "Got it. Where is he? Is he back at your house?"

"Yeah, he's on the couch," I answer quickly before taking Gideon's hand. "We tried a few things and managed to stop the bleeding but I'm still worried it isn't enough."

"How did he get stabbed?" she asks pressing the phone to her ear. We come down the steps before starting to run back to the house.

"I'll explain later!" I repeat helplessly. We run as fast as we possibly can back to the house, Clara running faster than I ever could in slippers and pajamas. Gideon stumbles behind me with wide eyes, struggling to keep up with us. He flashes me a look of fear before gripping my hand tighter.

"It's okay," I whisper down to him, "she's a close friend."

Gideon still looked fearful.

Clara reaches the house first and quickly opens the door before heading inside. I quickly catch up, briefly letting go of Gideon to follow her worried she might accidentally scare Shiloh and Adrien, if he happens to be awake.

I find Clara kneeling next to the couch with worry in her eyes. She scans over him as she describes the wound to 911 and requests an ambulance. Shiloh still holds Adrien's hand and watches Clara with wariness in his eyes. But he doesn't look as scared as Gideon does.

Clara's gaze is caught by Shiloh and probably his dark scars and markings, then Adrien, and then looks back at Gideon who became my shadow again. She flashes me a look which translates into: we need to talk later. She finishes up on the phone before shoving it back into her pocket.

"Did he pass out from blood loss?" Clara asks worriedly as she begins lightly touch his bandaged stomach.

"No, not exactly. He fell asleep and is still moving like he's asleep but..."

"You need to wake him up, he might go into shock," Clara retorts sternly. "You know this, Eve."

I grimace feeling a sharp thing. I do know this. I shouldn't have let it happen.

But Clara looks back at me with gratefulness in her eyes. "But good job stopping the bleeding. Your mom would be proud. Now, start explaining."

"Okay... so..." I watch her begin to shake Adrien. Shiloh winces and opens his mouth hesitant before shutting it again.

"Um, he's a bit weird about touch..." I say instead, unsure how he'd react to a stranger touching him. "I got it."

Clara pauses before nodding. I kneel down next to him before gently shaking him.

"Adrien...?" I ask quietly, shaking him a bit harder. "Come on... you have to get up."

Adrien snorts in annoyance before turning sharply. Clara sucks in a sharp breath at the sudden movement. I grimace knowing he could be making this worse. I gently turn him back over before laying my hand his cheek. "Adrien come on, you have to get up. You can't sleep right now."

"Silence yourself," Adrien mumbles in response, "I do what I want."

Gideon snickers softly, finally making some kind of noise. It's so odd when he's quiet.

"Adrien wake up," Shiloh says sternly, catching Clara off guard. "Get up, you're being weird."

"Yeah, you tried to hold Eve's hand," Gideon jumps in a smirk. "Do you love her, Addy?"

This time, Adrien curses in his own language. Finally, he slowly opens his eyes causing Clara to jolt. His eyes can be quite a shock at first glance. He blinks slowly before frowning. "You guys are so weird," he mumbles, annoyedly. Then his eyes land on Clara. He jerks back with panic in his eyes. "Get back!" he shouts suddenly and goes for his knife.

I gasp and quickly grab his wrist, "No! Don't!"

Adrien gives me a look of pure fury sending shivers down my spine. "Let. Go," he growls darkly.

"Don't," I argue before slowly releasing him. "She's a friend, she's here to help. We're going to take you to a hospital."

"I don't need one," Adrien argues spitefully. "I did a good job on myself. I don't need extra help."

Clara raises an eyebrow at them with a neutral look. "Where did you say you found these boys?"

I sigh tiredly. "The forest."

Her jaw drops, slightly horrified. "The forest?"

I nod gravely. "Later."

"I don't need a hospital!" Adrien repeats sternly. "I'm perfectly fine on my own!"

"Adrien, listen, we are doing this to be safe," I plead giving him a look. "We just want to make sure you're okay. Trust me, our doctors have-"

"I'm not going to the doctors!" Adrien shouts, panic flashing his eyes. "You're not taking me to a doctor!"

I grimace knowing I used the wrong words.

"They mean sick doctors, for sick and injured people," Gideon explains nervously, before glancing up at me. "Right?"

"Right."

"I don't care."

"We don't want you to bleed out," Shiloh argues before frowning. "We just want to make sure you're okay. We have better doctors, more medicine and machines to help. They can heal faster than our medicine."

"I don't believe that."

"Trust us," I plead, beginning to hear the sirens. "It will be okay. No one here is going to hurt you. I promise."

"We only want to help," Clara adds gently. "Everyone is just worried about you."
"Who the hell are you?" Adrien asks bluntly, shooting her a dark look. "And no one asked you."

Clara reels before giving him a challenging look. "Oh?"

"Sorry he hasn't accustomed to people," I apologize quickly, flashing her a pleading look. "Just bear with me, please?"
"Okay." Clara stands up before turning toward the door. "I'll go get the paramedics. They'll be here any second so either you calm him down, or we'll have to restrain him, okay?"

"Got it," I answer quickly, remembering