This is a sequel to Beyond the Ice.


Jack kept his hands pressed against the glass long after Jamie had left. It might only have been wishful thinking, but he could swear that, for an instant, his old friend had looked at him rather than through him. It left him lost and torn. He had to stop himself from calling his name, to see if he would hear.

The baby still slept peacefully in the crib, calmed by the tales of magical guardians, or at least by her father's soothing voice. She had not been the only one listening to Jamie's stories. From beyond the frosted glass, Jack Frost had heard every word. It hurt to hear him speak of them when he knew he thought they were just legends, but at the same time, it made Jack smile. These legends mattered enough to Jamie for him to share them with his newborn daughter.

He told her that magical beings would watch over her and protect her while she slept and Jack was determined to do exactly that. He settled comfortably outside the window to keep an eye on the baby as she slept. Sadly, the Sandman's dreams could not get a good hold of one so young. She was under their protection, but she did not believe in them. She was too young for such things. But she was not completely closed off to what she did not believe in the way she would be when she started to rationalize the world around her.

She slept a few more hours, until early morning when the first rays of the sun disturbed her. Jack bit his lip, throwing a glance at her parents' still dark window. They could use some more sleep. But soon, Jade would be crying for someone to come. Jack pushed the window open and slipped in. For once, he closed it behind him. He didn't want her to be cold; she was still so young. He perched on a dresser where he had a good view of her.

"Hey, little Jade. Don't cry, all right? Mommy and daddy need sleep."

He doubted the baby saw him and he knew he couldn't touch her, but she was aware of his voice. That was one thing he had realized long ago: babies could react to spirits' tone of voice. They could try to calm them or scare them if they tried. Maybe he could keep her from crying. She stopped moving to listen.

"Why don't you go back to sleep? Just a few more hours."

Her stillness didn't last long and she soon got agitated again, making small distressed sound at the still empty room. She wanted someone here and a vague impression of a calming voice wasn't enough. Jack sighed. It was time to try something else.

"Rock-a-bye baby, in the tree top," he sang. "When the wind blows, the cradle will rock. When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall. And down will come baby, cradle and all."

Jade quietened, shifted a few more times before lying still again. Jack kept singing until he was sure she was asleep. Sandy would have been proud. Smiling, he jumped down to the floor and peered in the next room, where the rest of the little family slept. The two adults laid on the bed in whatever position they had fallen in after the last time they had to get up, the cover half fallen to the floor. Jack took the time to tuck them in before he left.

"Sleep well. You deserve it."


I'm starting to run out of titles. Seriously.