Ice & Blood

Kiba stood with his arms stretched as the chilling winds swept past him, carrying snowflakes as gentle and pure as a goose feather.

The trees continued to be covered in snow and ice just like the ground, though occasionally grains of vivid saffron came in sight.

Kiba took some of those grains in his hand along with delicate snowflakes and observed them as a smile blossomed on his face. His smile was filled with innocence and happiness just like a toddler who has been armed with crayons.

He was no longer the infamous debauchee the world has known. The crystalline snow has touched a part of him that he never knew existed.

"Are you fine?" Ashlyn's voice came from behind.

"Ah! Yes!"

Startled, Kiba let go of the snow in his hands. Not to mention Ashlyn, even he was surprised by his own behavior.

Ashlyn raised her towards the sky which was now shrouded by the darkness of the night.

"It is late," Ashlyn said as she stepped beside him.