Chapter Text
She sat alone in her humble home, the weight of solitude pressing upon her weary heart. It had been almost a year since her father had passed away, leaving behind an empty void that seemed impossible to fill. The memories of their time together flooded her mind, filling the silence of the house with echoes of laughter and warmth.She closed her eyes, allowing herself to be transported back to a time when her home was filled with life. The aroma of her father's favorite dishes would waft through the air, enticing her senses and drawing her to the kitchen. They would sit at the worn wooden table, sharing stories and laughter over a hearty meal, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.Her father had been her pillar of strength, the guiding light in her life. His absence now cast a shadow over her days, reminding her of the irreplaceable love and companionship they once shared.
The house, once bustling with their shared moments, now stood as a silent witness to her solitude.She walked through the rooms, each step resonating with memories. The walls whispered tales of joyful conversations and comforting embraces. In the living room, she could still envision her father sitting in his favorite armchair, his smile radiating warmth that melted away any worries or fears.The shelves were adorned with trinkets and photographs, remnants of a life well-lived. She picked up a picture frame, her fingers tracing the smiling faces frozen in time. How she longed to hear her father's voice, to feel his reassuring touch, and to share the burdens of life with him.The evenings were the hardest. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue upon the world, she would find herself drawn to the window, searching for solace in the starlit sky. The silence of the night seemed to amplify her longing, reminding her that she was now alone in this vast universe.She remembered the day he had passed, how she had felt like her world had ended. She had been there with him until the very end, holding his hand and telling him how much she loved him. It was a moment she would never forget.But in the midst of her sorrow, she found solace in the memories they had shared. She would close her eyes and remember her father's gentle advice, his unconditional love, and the warmth of his embrace. These memories became her sanctuary, a place where she could still find comfort and strength.
Snow stepped out of the small supermarket, her grocery bag filled with essentials for the week ahead. The sun cast a warm glow upon the bustling town, but in the depths of her heart, a lingering sadness threatened to dampen her spirits. She walked along the familiar streets, passing by the familiar faces that made up the tapestry of her daily life.She had become adept at wearing a smile that belied the ache within her, for she knew that life went on, whether or not her heart was ready to accept it. As she interacted with the townsfolk, she maintained her cheerful facade, exchanging pleasantries and engaging in casual conversations. Yet, the heaviness in her soul remained, silently gnawing at her.The kind woman at the supermarket cash register had been a constant presence in her life, always offering a friendly greeting and a warm smile. Today was no different, as the woman's eyes crinkled with genuine concern.
"How have you been holding up, dear?" she inquired, her voice laced with empathy.
Snow's smile faltered for a brief moment before she regained her composure."Oh, you know, the usual, just trying to get by." she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy.
She didn't want to burden the woman with her sorrow, knowing that life carried its own weight of challenges for everyone. She bid her farewell and left the supermarket, the door chiming softly behind her.As she walked through the town, the rhythm of her footsteps echoed the thoughts swirling in her mind. Loneliness seemed to cling to her like a shadow, its presence seeping into every corner of her being. She observed the happy couples strolling hand in hand, the families enjoying their time together, and a pang of yearning tugged at her heart.Her father had been her constant companion, the one who shared in her joys and offered solace during times of distress. Now, with his absence, Snow felt a void that seemed impossible to fill. The everyday tasks that once brought her comfort now served as painful reminders of what she had lost.
As she approached a quaint park, she paused to take in the serene surroundings. The gentle rustle of leaves, the melodic chirping of birds, and the distant laughter of children playing painted a picture of life moving forward. She found herself a secluded bench and took a seat, her mind enveloped in a cascade of emotions.The tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over the edge. She let herself surrender to the rawness of her grief, allowing the tears to flow freely down her cheeks. Each drop carried with it a bittersweet memory, a testament to the love she had shared with her father.In the midst of her tears, a soothing breeze brushed against her skin, as if nature itself sought to offer solace. She closed her eyes, allowing the wind to caress her face, reminding her of the invisible threads that connected her to the world around her. It whispered words of comfort, urging her to find strength within herself.As she sat there, lost in her thoughts, she noticed a group of three young individuals approaching. Her heart skipped a beat as she felt their piercing gazes directed towards her. Their whispered conversations became louder as they drew nearer, and she braced herself for she knew what was coming.Their mocking whispers reached her ears, filled with ridicule and disdain.It was a scene she had experienced all too often, the cruel taunts and laughter aimed at her. As they neared, she braced herself, preparing for the painful words that were about to be unleashed.
"Look at her, all alone as usual." one of them sneered.
"Yeah, she's such a weirdo." another chimed in, a malicious grin spreading across their face.
"Freak." another one said, clearly with the intention of being heard.
Snow kept her gaze down, her hands trembling slightly as she clenched them tightly in her lap. The hurtful words echoed in her mind, triggering memories of countless similar encounters. She knew that being different set her apart from the rest, but it didn't make it any easier to bear the constant torment.She had always been an outsider in this small town. Her unnatural abilities or whatever she would call them, set her apart from everyone else and made her an easy target for judgment and ridicule. They labeled her a freak, a loner, an outcast, and she had come to believe those words herself.But deep down, she knew she wasn't the monster they made her out to be. Her abilities were a part of her, an integral part of her identity that she couldn't ignore or deny.As the group passed by, their laughter fading into the distance, she took a deep breath, offering herself a moment of tranquility amidst the chaos of her thoughts.With a heavy heart she decided to stand up and retreat to the sanctuary of her home, unknown to her that a pair of malicious eyes were watching her.
She sat in the comfort of her home, the soft glow of the evening sun casting warm hues across the room. Her groceries neatly arranged in their designated spots, she found herself sinking into the plushness of her couch, her mind still drifting back to the unsettling experience in the park. The taunts and looks from the small-minded individuals had left their mark, tainting the serenity of her sanctuary.Seeking solace, she raised her hand, her fingertips tingling with the familiar surge of energy. She conjured a small, delicate orb of ice within her palm, the translucent beauty of the frozen creation capturing her attention. The orb glistened under the soft light, casting an ethereal glow upon her features.As Snow stared into the icy sphere, her thoughts turned to her father, the anchor in her life. Her father had been her rock, a constant source of love and support, helping her embrace her abilities and instilling in her the belief that she was destined for greatness.But there was a void within her, an unanswered question that lingered in the depths of her being.
Snow yearned to know more about her mother, the parent from whom she had inherited her powers. Her father had painted a vivid picture of her, a woman of strength and compassion, fiercely protective of those she loved. He had cherished the memories of his beloved wife, keeping photographs and mementos that represented their life together. Snow would often find herself lost in those images, tracing her fingers over the faded faces captured in time. Yet, the stories were merely fragments, a glimpse into a life cut short.Gazing at the icy orb, Snow couldn't help but imagine her mother's face, tracing the contours of her own features that mirrored those in the faded photographs.She marveled at the resemblance she shared with her mother, their platinum blonde hair serving as a tangible link between generations. Yet, it was a bond she yearned to understand on a deeper level.
Beyond the photographs and her father's stories, Snow remained in the dark about her mother's history. What was the purpose of these powers? What had her life been like before meeting her father? These questions swirled in her mind, a curious longing to uncover the untold chapters of her mother's life.In moments like these, she found herself yearning for a deeper connection to her roots, a desire to understand the woman who had given her life. She imagined her mother as a strong, independent spirit, an individual who had harnessed her powers with grace and purpose. She wondered if her mother had faced similar challenges and prejudice, if she had been misunderstood and judged for her unique abilities.The icy orb in her hand slowly began to diminish till there was nothing left.
She sat there, her mind still consumed by thoughts of her mother, unaware of the figure that silently approached her from behind. In the midst of her deep contemplation, a sudden tightness gripped her throat, choking off her breath. Panic surged through her body, and she instinctively reached out, desperately grasping at the hand that had encircled her neck. In a moment of desperation she summoned her icy powers, directing the energy towards the intruder's arm. Frost rapidly spread, encasing the man's limb in a frozen prison. With a cry of pain, he released his grip, allowing her to gasp for air. She fought to regain her composure, her heart racing with a mix of fear and adrenaline. She surveyed her surroundings with wide, alarmed eyes. To her horror, she realized that her once peaceful home had been infiltrated. More men lurked in the shadows, their intentions shrouded in darkness. The apparent leader, a menacing figure with a sinister glint in his eyes, sneered at her.
"Well, well, well." he taunted "Looks like we've stumbled upon a cryomancer hiding in plain sight."
Her heart pounded as her mind raced, desperately trying to comprehend the strangers who had encroached upon her home. Who were these men? How had they made it past her security? Fear and confusion coiled around her heart like a snake, squeezing it with relentless determination. Before she could utter a word of protest, the leader spoke again, his voice steeped in malevolence.
"Your kind is valuable." he said with a cruel smirk "You'll fetch us a pretty penny from the right buyer."
The deep realization of the situation dawned upon her - these men were human traffickers, and she was their prey. Primal instincts screamed at her from within, urging her to flee from the captors' tight clutches. Determination and rage burned in her gaze as she made a split-second decision. Bolstered by adrenaline she spun on her heel and ran forward, driven by an unyielding need for freedom.Hope surged through her veins, when suddenly a pale figure materialized behind her, swinging an ominous metallic object. Without warning, the man struck her head with a powerful blow. A searing hot pain filled her skull like an exploding firework, and she felt herself toppling to the ground in a whirl of dizziness. In moments, the world went black, and all the warmth within her felt sucked away into the darkness that swallowed her whole. Her fading mind echoed one final plea for survival, begging someone out there to answer her desperate cries for help.