Frostbite

The town of Frosthaven lay blanketed in snow, each flake shimmering under the pale winter sun. Nestled among pine trees and frozen lakes, it was a place where winters were harsh and long. The cold, however, never dampened the spirits of its residents, especially the high schoolers who found creative ways to enjoy the season.

Lila Akamatsu and Mia Johnson, two best friends since childhood, were huddled together in Lila’s room, excitement buzzing between them. They had been invited to a bonfire in the woods by the popular boys from school, a rare occurrence that promised a night of fun and adventure. Lila, with her jet black hair highlighted with auburn streaks and bright brown eyes, was the more daring of the two, always ready for a new experience. Mia, with her dark curls and thoughtful demeanor, was African American and balanced Lila’s impulsiveness with a sense of caution. They both stood out in the community in away that wasn’t always appreciated. They were frequently excluded from school groups, but their strong bond and mutual happiness in each other’s company made all the difference in high school.

“Can you believe Eric invited us?” Lila said, her eyes sparkling. “It’s going to be so much fun!”

Mia nodded, though a hint of worry creased her brow. “I know, but let’s be careful, okay? I’ve heard stories about these parties.”

“Relax, Mia,” Lila reassured her friend, “We’ll stick together and everything will be fine.”

As the sun set, the girls layered up in their cutest warm clothes and headed out. The woods were a short walk from Lila’s house, the snow crunching under their boots with each step. The air was crisp, and their breath formed small clouds as they chatted excitedly.

When they arrived at the clearing, the bonfire was already roaring, casting a warm, flickering glow on the faces of the dozen or so teens gathered around. Eric, the dark-haired charismatic leader of the popular boys, stood at the center, laughing and handing out drinks. He had a way of making everyone feel included, yet there was an edge to his charm that made Lila cautious.

“Lila! Mia! You made it!” Eric called out, waving them over. “Come on, grab a drink and join the fun!”

The girls exchanged glances before accepting the drinks handed to them. The warmth of the fire and the laughter of their peers quickly made them feel at ease. They sipped their drinks, the liquid inside bringing a welcome warmth to their chilled bodies.

Eric and his friends exchanged knowing looks as the girls drank and hung out on the sidelines. Unbeknownst to Lila and Mia, Eric and his friends had spiked their drinks to make them easier to manage later in the night. As the effects began to take hold, Lila felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. She stumbled slightly, catching herself on Mia’s arm.

“Mia, I...I don’t feel so good,” Lila mumbled, her vision blurring.

Mia’s concern grew as she noticed her own head starting to spin. “Me neither, Lila. Something’s wrong.”

Realizing they needed to leave, Lila pulled Mia towards the edge of the clearing. “Let’s get out of here,” she whispered urgently. They started to run but before they could make it far, Lila’s legs gave out, and she fell into the snow, unable to move.

Panic set in as Mia tried to help her friend, but her strength was fading fast. “Lila, stay with me,” she pleaded, her voice growing faint.

Eric and his friends watched from the shadows, smirking at their handiwork. They had done this before, and they were confident they would get away with it again. They spotted Lila as Mia stumbled away trying to find her layers of winter wear.

Unseen by the boys, she tripped and was suddenly accelerating down. She crashed to the bottom of a pit in the woods. Mia’s world turned dark as she lay there in the pit, snow falling and the cold seeping into her bones. She was slipping away, consciousness fading. Just as she was about to succumb to the frostbite, a peculiar warmth spread through her body. An undiscovered slug-like creature hibernating in the pit was disturbed by the fall had found her, its touch bringing life and healing.

When Mia awoke, she was cold and sore and had a strange sensation of tingling all over her body. Most of all she felt strong. She climbed up to the ground and made her back to the bonfire. It had long died down, and the woods were silent. She was alone, the events of the night a hazy memory. Amidst the debris of the night’s party she spotted a yellow scarf. She picked it up to verify it was Lila’s. She held onto it and looked around again but no one was there.

“Lila?” she shouted. Mia knew Lila wouldn’t have left her alone, but maybe she wasn’t able to find her and went home. Determined to find Lila and uncover the truth, Mia began her journey back to town. Her skin was cold to the touch, yet she was warm inside, alive against all odds. Mia headed home, unaware of the extraordinary abilities she now possessed and the vengeance she would soon seek.