The climb to the summit was steep, the path narrow and treacherous, slick with ice and loose stone. Kaelen led the way, his hand firmly gripping mine, his steps sure despite the difficult terrain. The wind had picked up as we climbed, whipping snow across the exposed rock, stinging our cheeks and stealing our breath. But I did not complain, and neither did he. We simply climbed, hand in hand, focused on the peak above.
I did not know how long we had been walking. The hours had blurred together, the world narrowing to the path ahead and the man beside me. The mountain passes had given way to open slopes, the pines were thinning, and the snow was deepening. The air grew thinner and colder, and I felt the altitude in my lungs, each breath a conscious effort.
Kaelen paused at a narrow ledge, looking back at me. His face was flushed with exertion, his dark hair wild from the wind, but his eyes were bright, almost eager.
"Almost there," he said.
I nodded, not trusting my voice.
