1#01

1

As the avalanche thundered down the mountain, my betrothed decided to desert me, embracing his former flame, Saoirse Epigone, as he rushed to safety.

I implored him, my voice quivering with fear, to stay with me.

"Saoirse is ill," he explained, almost apologetically. "She won't make it alone. You're tougher and more skilled. I'll secure her safety and return for you."

Their forms disappeared into the blizzard, abandoning me to the merciless cold and my injured limb. A deafening rumble followed, and the vast whiteness engulfed everything in its wake.

Me included.

Seven days after I perished, Altair Armani learned of my fate and was utterly devastated.

The ordeal began when Saoirse Epigone, Altair's former girlfriend, insisted on accompanying me on an ascent of the snow-capped peak.

A week later, upon hearing of my demise, he was completely shattered.

I had cautioned her sternly that this was no casual excursion. It was a challenging, professional climb, and my instructions were to be followed without question.

Yet mere moments ago, she and Altair had been brazenly flirting, their reckless behavior causing the pouch containing our GPS to plummet off a precipice.

"Sister, it was accidental," Saoirse claimed, her voice dripping with false remorse. "You're the professional here, aren't you? Surely you can guide us back safely?"

I clenched my hands, barely containing my rage, and retorted, "Do you comprehend the gravity of your actions? It's frighteningly simple to lose one's way up here. That GPS was our lifeline, and you've discarded it! We could perish from exposure due to your foolishness!"

Saoirse trembled, her body wracked with sobs, her cries reverberating through the mountain's quiet atmosphere.

Altair shoved me from behind, his voice tinged with annoyance. "Maliah, Saoirse didn't intend harm. Why are you so harsh? You're the expert. You still have the map in your pack. At worst, we can rely on that."

He gently wiped Saoirse's tears, his concern evident as he tended to her.

Whenever Saoirse wept, Altair was defenseless, unable to resist her charms.

I inhaled deeply, suppressing my growing irritation, and silently led them onward.

"Hold on, Altair, look at this scenery. It's breathtaking. Could you photograph me?"

Saoirse paused, offering the camera to Altair.

I couldn't help but observe as they joyfully captured images of each other.

"Altair, it's getting late. We need to reach the peak soon and begin our descent. Once night falls, the temperature will drop drastically, and we must return to base before it becomes too perilous."

I tugged at his sleeve, but he barely acknowledged me, engrossed in the photography.

On previous trips, I'd ask Altair to take my picture, but he'd always mutter about lacking skill.

"Saoirse is so photogenic. She deserves more pictures," he remarked, directing her into various poses.

"Altair, let's record some footage too. If I submit it, I might get a promotion," Saoirse suggested, retrieving something from her bag.

She had only been back in the country for three months, interning at the television station where Altair worked.

The manager had requested a high-quality interview video. Upon learning of my involvement with the polar expedition team, Saoirse had asked Altair to bring her to my workplace.

The team, always accommodating, welcomed her warmly. However, Saoirse, true to form, began complaining about the environment and pestering my colleagues with endless queries, creating discomfort for everyone.

For Altair's sake, I decided to guide them up the mountain alone, simply wanting to complete the task and send her on her way swiftly.

Suddenly, a loud crack echoed. I whirled around, alarmed, only to find Saoirse holding a firework, sparks dancing in the breeze.

"What on earth are you doing?"

Rage overwhelmed me, and I instinctively struck her across the face.

Igniting fireworks on a snow-covered mountain, what madness had possessed her?

"Saoirse!" Altair cried out, his voice filled with worry as he rushed to support her. Then, without warning, he turned on me, his eyes blazing with fury.

"Maliah, you've crossed a line!"

With a vicious kick aimed at me, I lost my balance and tumbled down the slope, my knee crashing hard against a sharp rock.