Snow falls softly outside of the cave entrance. 

I watch as a few flakes settle onto the floor of the entrance and melt slowly, leaving behind small puddles.

I glance down and notice Isa curled up next to me for warmth.

I smile and sit up, pulling him gently into my lap, resting his head on my chest. As he settles into my arms, his frail body shivers, the winter air nipping at his exposed skin.

Wrapping my arms tighter around him, I pull him closer to me. A small sigh escapes his parted lips.

“Arik…”, he mutters in his sleep, causing a smile to tug at my lips.

So cute. He’s always been so cute.

I smile and run my fingers through his hair.

So beautiful..

The way the light hits his soft ashen tresses, making them shine and envelope his head in a halo of soft silvery light.

Breathtaking.

A chuckle escapes me and I smile.

How ironic that breathtaking would also be the word I would use to describe our first meeting.

It truly took my breath away, both literally and figuratively.

The way he fell into my arms.

And how, only a brief moment later, his arms wrapped tightly around my waist.

And his fingers, thin and streaked with dried earth and blood, clutch the fabric of my shirt, his wings struggling to open and pull him into the sky.

The first words his honeyed voice spoke were frantic cries for help.

And what else was I supposed to do other than help him?

He was so bright and almost rosy, his voice soft and sweet, dripping into my ears like honey. I said yes without hesitation.

And the look of pure shock and surprise on his face when I unfurled my own wings, smoky and charcoal in color, and took flight, was yet another expression that looked beautiful on his face. 

And then, suddenly, for the first time in years I wasn't alone anymore.