Then I point to the left, towards the black run.
Ophelia’s eyes move between the slope and me, a hint of hesitation crosses her face.
I push off before any of them can make up their minds.
Adrenaline races through me.
And for the first time in a long while, I feel alive.
Besides ice skating, this is my favourite thing in the world.
I used to spend every ski season in the mountains with my mum.
The memory makes my heart squeeze, but it’s a pleasant ache.
Before, it only hurt.
I sense Hunter behind me and look over my shoulder.
To my surprise, he’s coming down the black run as well.
I didn’t expect him to follow me onto it.
“Eyes ahead,” he growls as he reaches me.
I can’t help but smile.
By the time we reach the bottom, Ophelia and Arlo aren’t far behind.
I laugh.
“You did it.”
“Halfway down, I was convinced agreeing to that was a terrible idea,” Ophelia says. She looks back towards the slope. “Turns out it was actually fun. I’d do it again.”
Arlo shakes his head at her.
We join the queue for the lifts again, and when we reach the top, we find Adelaide and Isaak with Octavia and Milo waiting nearby.
“I’ve worked up an appetite. There’s a restaurant up here, looks decent.” Milo says, rubbing his hands together.
At the mention of food, my stomach rumbles.
Hunter’s head snaps in my direction.
A strange look appears on his face. He looks almost irritated.
“You’re hungry,” he states, his expression darkening. “Why the fuck didn’t you say something?”
I laugh at his expression.
“I suppose I’m hungrier than I realised.”
“You should’ve said something,” His jaw tightens. “I’d have fed you.”
“Well, let’s go inside. Now you have the chance.”
We follow the rest and prop our skis outside before stepping into the restaurant.
