Calum walked through the winter storm, braving the elements, desperate to return home to his sister. But he needed something first--something dark and deadly, yet filled with the properties of healing. Something to save the frail girl back home who relied solely on him. Newly orphaned, Calum and his sister depended on each other. The winter was long and demanding, and through the izy haze and fear of freezing, Calum grew the strength to fight for her.

What was at first a quick-paced jog turned to a slow trudge through the thick snow. His feet sank and his socks became wet. He feared he would contract frostbite before he even reached the woman responsible for brewing the dark potion.

This is all my fault.

Calum could have given his sister to the authorities, to the people who would help. Sure, she'd be scared and alone at first, surrounded by people she didn't know, but she'd be safe in the end. He just couldn't give her up.

Too much pride, his mother used to say. It would be the death of him and his sister, but regardless, he couldn't let her go. Maybe he'd die under a pool of unforgiving ice after taking one wrong step, but he would gladly take the risk if it gave his sister a chance to life.

I do this for her. When I get the potion to her, this will all be worth it.

He knew his sister's condition would only worsen. Trapped in a cave covered in icicles, the biting cold wouldn't help. He only hoped he would make it in time.