Chapter 55
The dawn came suddenly, casting light onto a reflective surface of ice. Ciaran opened his eyes to find himself lying next to Madeline, her arms still wrapped around him. They were no longer on the river bank. Instead, in front of them was a magnificent and endless snowfield.
Everything was white, including the sky.
Ciaran reached over and kissed Madeline. She woke and responded to his warm kiss.
Tadgh and Zach awoke nearby.
"Holy cow,” Tadgh gasped when he saw the snowfield.
"Just like in a hologame, isn't it, Ciaran?" Zach asked.
"Except it's not a game,” Ciaran said in response. He looked out at the snowfield and up to the white sky. Ciaran continued, "This is the White stage, everyone. While the Black stage focused on physical aspects, this stage is more of a mental te
