Snow swirled over the wreckage of the avalanche. Kou stood atop the frozen mound, furious, while Ciel remained unnervingly calm.
"What the hell was that?!" Kou shouted, voice echoing across the icy slope.
"A natural disaster. Happens," Ciel replied, brushing snow off his sleeve as if near-death experiences were ordinary.
Kou trudged forward, boots sinking deep into the snow. "Who the hell are you, and why did we just go through that?!" He jabbed a finger at Ciel like a spear.
"Oh, relax. You didn't die, did you?" Ciel said, grinning. "Ciel Voldrald, at your service. Though service might be a generous term."
Kou's breath fogged the air. "I still have one more unanswered question."
"What's that?"
"Why did we go through all this?!"
Ciel tilted his head, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Where are we again?"
"The Ogawagi clan!" Kou's voice cracked.
"We're not in the clan yet. North or South? I was sure I was headed North." Ciel traced invisible lines in the air. "Details blur after the third avalanche."
He shivered slightly. "This place is cold. Where's the clan?"
Kou pointed toward the distant gates barely visible through the snow. "There. You headed North and didn't expect it to be cold?"
Ciel glanced at him, noticing the shimmer of Kou's ring. "You don't seem very cold."
"I'm used to these climates," Kou said quickly, tightening his glove.
"Fancy ring… you engaged?"
"It's none of your business," Kou snapped. "Why did you come here?"
Ciel ignored him and started walking toward the gates.
"Answer me!" Kou called after him, jumping down the slope. "Don't just walk away from me!"
He caught up and grabbed Ciel by the shoulder. "You think you can just stroll in? You'll get killed!"
Ciel glanced over his shoulder, unimpressed. "Then you can work your princely charms and get me through. Problem solved."
"It's not that simple! The Gate Guards answer only to the clan head or their commanders."
"Strict, huh? In my clan, I just tell them who my dad is. Works every time." Ciel smirked, continuing on. "Thanks for the heads up."
Kou lowered his voice. "The Ogawagi don't like the Voldrald."
Ciel laughed softly. "The feeling's mutual."
"Then why are you here?"
"I have my reasons. I'm doing some research," Ciel said, hopping over a fallen branch.
"Research? Diplomatic research? You could just say that and get through the gates."
"I don't have proof. And I'm not here for diplomacy."
Kou froze. "Wait, are you a spy?!"
"A spy? No! Don't say that out loud!"
"I want to if you are!"
"I'm not a spy. Calm down," Ciel whispered.
Kou's shoulders dropped a little. "Then what are you? You haven't answered a single question."
Ciel ran his hand along the icy wall. "I told you, research. Not for my clan. I cut ties a while ago."
"You cut ties?" Kou asked, surprised. "Why would you do that?"
"I have my reasons. But I'm not on bad terms with them." Ciel stepped back, still studying the wall. "So don't get any ideas."
"Then what? You don't answer any question I ask."
"Some questions are better left unanswered," Ciel said, rolling his shoulders and stretching his legs.
"What are you doing now?"
"Since you can't get me through the gates, I'll carve my own path."
"You can't just sneak in!" Kou yelled, glancing around nervously.
"That's what destiny's about. Carving your own path."
Before Kou could stop him, Ciel dashed forward, grabbed the wall, and started climbing. He moved fast, fluid, finding impossible holds. Within moments, he disappeared over the top.
Kou stood frozen, watching. He wanted to yell but couldn't. For some reason, he just watched until Ciel vanished beyond the wall.
That was the last time Kou saw Ciel Voldrald.
Until nine days later.
Kou found the Prince of the West asleep on a public bench, shirtless and bruised, clothes torn.
Kou slapped him awake. "What the hell are you doing?"
"Sleeping," Ciel mumbled, rolling toward the sunlight.
"You'll be sleeping outside the gates if anyone reports you!" Kou pulled him up.
"Great way to treat the homeless," Ciel shouted, drawing attention before sitting up.
"I thought you were here for research. Did the scrolls attack you?" Kou gestured at the torn clothes.
"I got into a fight last night. And the night before. And the night before that."
"What kind of fights?"
"Bar fights."
Kou helped him stand, noticing bruises and claw-like scars across his chest.
"You should've seen the other guys," Ciel said, faintly smiling. His eyes remained sharp, calm, wolf-like.
Kou wrapped an arm around him. "Come on. You need clothes."
"Wow, spoiling me already, rich prince?"
"No. Just trying to keep you from freezing to death."
"Fox fur? Bear fur?"
"I'll leave you naked if you don't shut up," Kou muttered.
"I prefer darker colors. Black, maybe gray. And a cloak. No fur. It itches."
Kou clenched his fists. "Anything else I might assist you with, your highness?"
"Coffee. Tea. Anything warm," Ciel replied.
"You're seriously making me reconsider what I'm doing here! How's your research?"
"Not really going yet."
"Tell me what it is. Maybe I can help."
"If you want my help, I want my explanation. Fair's fair."
Ciel groaned. "Fine. I need a map."
"A map?" Kou asked. "Which one? There are a lot of maps."
"Not one of those. A specific one. It already exists. Somewhere in your clan. Made over ten years ago."
His tone darkened as he spoke. Silence followed them. Mothers pulled children closer, merchants paused, their gazes locked on Ciel like he was both stranger and specter.
Kou quickened the pace. "Let's move. You need clothes."
He led Ciel through the narrow streets, holding his arm. He didn't know if he was leading him to safety or trouble.
Ciel walked beside him, calm but purposeful. Something about him was reckless and fearless. Kou couldn't explain it, but following him no longer felt like a choice. He knew whatever path Ciel was carving, he might end up walking it too.