I picked up the lodge’s brochure, flipping through it absentmindedly.
It detailed ancient legends tied to the mountain, written both in their local language and in English.
According to the guide, if we followed the snowy trails all the way up, near the peak, we might just find a little spirit that symbolized good luck.
A silly, exaggerated story meant to entertain tourists.
I skimmed through it, then tossed it aside.
However, Ethan wouldn’t stop talking in my ear, going on and on until I was thoroughly annoyed.
“If you got nothing better to do, then go find it for me.”
Honestly, I only said it out of impatience, just to brush him off.
But he paused for a second or two, then glanced at the brochure.
His lips curled into a faint smile.
“It can grant any wish? Maybe I actually need that.”
I sighed.
I hadn’t expected him to take it seriously, but the next thing I knew, he was preparing to head up the mountain.
There were a few mountaineers at the lodge, all aiming for the summit, and Ethan was planning to join them.
I didn’t understand how he became like this.
He used to be so composed and steady.
And now, just because of one offhand remark from me…
Since it was a snow–covered mountain, proper gear was essential.
That night, as he packed his things, I leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching him.
He zipped his insulated jacket all the way up, and when he looked at me, his dark eyes carried a faint glimmer–perhaps reflecting the snow outside.
I had no interest in climbing, so I wasn’t going with them.
His smile deepened.
“What’s wrong? Can’t bear to see me leave?”
“I hope you die halfway up and never come back.”
I shot him a glare.
+15 BONUS
Chapter 13
He only chuckled.
As he walked past, he reached out and ruffled my hair.
“Don’t say things like that, Alice. Some words have a way of coming true.”
I was speechless.
The day Ethan and his group set out, the weather was perfect.
Sunlight bounced off the snow, glaringly bright.
It was so intense that I could barely make out the person in front of me.
Ethan told me to wait for him to come back.
I let out a small scoff, not bothering to respond, then turned and headed back into the lodge.
