The powdery snow was falling softly again. It would stop for a few minutes, making the world quiet, and then suddenly fill the sky with white swirls. Ever since we arrived at the villa, I hadn't looked at a TV, a radio, or even my phone. I had no idea what the weather was supposed to be like, and honestly, I didn't care.
I just wanted time to stop. I didn't want to go back to the city or the real world. I wanted to stay right here on this island, in this little house, alone with Elara forever.
I draped a long, thick blanket over my shoulders and pushed open the door to the second-floor balcony. The cold tiles stung my bare feet. I flinched at the first touch, but then I stepped out anyway. Underneath the heavy blanket, I wasn't wearing a single stitch of clothing.
