Riprendere la rotta

Chapter One

As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious.
The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere.
"Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late."
She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul.
"Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight."
Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed.
"Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here."
Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated.
"I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here."
Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night."
Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight.
Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle.
Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
"Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight."
"Why?" Emily asked subconsciously.
Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up."
When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass.
In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.

Chapter Two

In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.

        Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.

        It was Draco.

        "Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.

        "How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.

        Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"

        The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.

        "Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.

        "You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."

        At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.

        "Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.

        Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."

        "The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.

        Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.

        Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."

        As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.

        Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.

        "Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.

        Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.

        "Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.

        "Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."

        Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.

Chapter Three

Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.

        When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.

        The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.

        "She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.

        "I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."

        Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.

        "Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.

        The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.

        "I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"

        Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

        "Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.

        Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.

        She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"

        Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."

        Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.

        "So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.

        Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."

        Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.

        It was Draco.

        He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."

        Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."

        Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.

        The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.

        Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."

        She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.

Chapter Four

As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.

        That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.

        "Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."

        Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."

        Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"

        Emily froze. "What do you mean?"

        "The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."

        A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.

        Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"

        The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.

        "Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.

        Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.

        Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."

        She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.

        As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.

        Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.

        Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.

        As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.

Chapter Five

The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.

        One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.

        'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'

        "Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."

        Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"

        Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."

        "What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.

        "There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."

        Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.

        "You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"

        Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"

        Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.

        "Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"

        She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."

        When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.

        "My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."

        Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."

        "She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."

        The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.

        "The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."

        As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.

        Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"

        But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.

        "It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."

        In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.

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Capitolo primo
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Nonostante fosse solo metà luglio, appena un mese dopo l'apertura della montagna, il Thredbo Resort era più affollato di quanto avessi mai visto nelle mie tre stagioni australiane e l'elenco dei clienti non mostrava segni di diminuzione. Il che significava che anche il dolore non si sarebbe attenuato. Quando mi affrettai a entrare nella sala del personale per mangiare una barretta ai cereali e prendermi cura delle gambe, erano quasi le dodici e quarantacinque, e rischiavo davvero di arrivare in ritardo alla lezione successiva.
Mi tolsi gli scarponi da sci e le calze spesse per applicare una generosa dose di gel termico sullo stinco sinistro e su entrambe le caviglie. I miei occhi si chiusero e un gemito inconscio mi sfuggì mentre massaggiavo. Un paio di altri allenatori ridevano e facevano commenti crudi. Sette anni fa, un titolo come "Aspen Archer si diverte in pubblico" sarebbe stato garantito. Ora non sarebbe stato nemmeno menzionato, soprattutto a ottantacinque chilometri da casa.
Senza aprire gli occhi, dissi bonariamente ai miei colleghi: "Fermi tutti". Ho infilato una mano sotto la cintura dei miei pantaloni da sci e delle termiche per spalmare un po' di gel sul fianco sinistro.
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Dopo Vancouver non ero più sicuro di nessuno dei due.
Una volta assicuratomi che la mia gamba sinistra non sarebbe stata amputata, e dopo una tonnellata di fisioterapia, ero tornato a indossare gli scarponi da sci. Avevo dovuto imparare di nuovo a camminare, ma non avevo avuto bisogno di reimparare a sciare. Era nelle mie cellule dal giorno della nascita, la cosa che mi teneva in vita anche quando sembrava che volesse uccidermi. Dovevo sciare. Ora, sciare era la cosa più vicina a far sentire il mio corpo di nuovo mio.
In cima alle scale, il Friday's Bistro and Bar era pieno della solita folla per il pranzo. Con qualche manovra complicata e più di un gomito mi feci strada tra la massa di corpi. L'odore non cambiava: sudore e indumenti bagnati di neve si mescolavano a cibo fritto e birra versata. I clienti salutavano e sorridevano e io ricambiavo i loro saluti, commentando il tempo e cose simili.
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La maggior parte dei miei clienti non aveva idea di chi fossi e i miei colleghi istruttori menzionavano raramente la mia ex carriera da professionista. Nascondendomi nelle stazioni sciistiche di tutto il mondo in un inverno senza fine, mi piaceva la possibilità di non dover spiegare perché mi ero persa Sochi 2014 e perché non mi stavo allenando per PyeongChang 2018. Dire alle persone che la cosa che amavo a volte mi faceva sentire come se stessi soffocando avrebbe reso il tutto molto imbarazzante.
Infilai la sciarpa nella giacca, abbassai gli occhiali sugli occhi e mi diressi verso i miei colleghi che stavano assegnando i loro prossimi clienti. Edward, il ragazzo con cui condividevo la casa a Jindabyne, mi fece cenno di avvicinarmi. "Non sarò a casa stasera e abbiamo quasi finito il latte", mi informò con il suo elegante accento britannico.
Prima che potessi rispondere, Tess, la nostra coordinatrice delle lezioni, si materializzò con la sua immancabile cartellina. "Aspen, hai una lezione privata di tre ore". Indicò un caschetto viola che si trovava vicino alla torre dell'orologio, dove i clienti ci aspettavano. "Gemma. Tredici anni".
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Lui inclinò la testa, indicando sottilmente una brunetta dalle gambe lunghe su uno snowboard a tre metri di distanza. Facendo finta di sistemarmi la giacca, diedi una bella occhiata. "Molto carina", dissi alzando le spalle mentre mi allontanavo per raccogliere gli sci. Davvero molto bello.
Avrei potuto essere invidioso se non fosse stato per Rachel, che indugiava vicino alle rastrelliere che contenevano sci e tavole assortite. Al mio avvicinarsi, mi sorrise sfacciatamente. "Ci vediamo stasera dopo Après?". La sua voce conteneva più di un accenno di suggestione.
Scostai una tavola da snowboard appoggiata con noncuranza ai miei sci. "Mi va bene." Io e Rach avevamo una storia. Una cosa casuale, senza legami, non esclusiva. Lei era allergica agli impegni a lungo termine e io non avevo trovato nessuno con cui volessi avere una relazione dopo il grande disastro della quasi-fidanzata del 2010. Funzionava per entrambi.
CSiH sYiaJm,oQ iCncontratWi YqFuHiT a* DThUreédbo all',itnicziko dLelÉlFa( _sócoMrsNa stagaiPo!ne* nexlh DbarJ in cHimta aRll'ismVpWiQantboc di riRsallitOaI Mzerriitks e siamo) fziWnWiitHif a Fl*eJt^tLo r-ó téecpnhicamrente sul Ms&edi'le NpJostZevrÉioprFeC ddelclXa $sguXaL aJutoI R-H poacXox OdoJpjo*.M iRHatchel,,* OunXa dCeglle, JtaTnLtOe Éils,trujtltricti a'uLsNtral^iabnjed Ycshe l,avoraundoM tsuPiR suIoi icaCmTpsi! Jda Rszci, Yè (s*tba)tal ^fazcilYe) xda ucapisróeq As)isa FdhenYtirof cdhe fusoTrié dal leztato te (noBn av&eiva MaNsÉpettJa.tive su dói Tmse da&l bdwi là Udue*gliH orgasmIiT.R GNionX mJi spHihnOsZe caV paarlaOre dcelz dvisSordinnex ddOeJlVlheó cicathrViWcKiC TcNhziruUrgjiclhFeP suHlXle mViIeP ÉgaUmbew.^ LNMon lKes uch^ieUsyi )di gquXellOeS PnxonC PcqhXiHruZrIgiche_, molIt^o YdYelboIlCi' Xe sKbi_adPitsex, shul Fsuo p!olso^ ÉsiZnmistSréo.j
Rach mi lanciò un altro sorriso ritrosa, quello che sapevo preannunciasse una fine molto piacevole della mia giornata, poi se ne andò. Presi gli sci e i bastoncini e mi diressi il più velocemente possibile verso la ragazza con i capelli biondi che spuntavano da sotto il casco. "Gemma?"

"Ciao, sì, sono io", rispose con un accento che avevo sentito solo dalla mia bocca e dai miei colleghi istruttori internazionali negli ultimi mesi.
Sorridendo, le porsi il pugno. "Bene, USA!" Lei lo ha stretto timidamente, mentre io mi presentavo. "Io sono Aspen".
"Piacere di conoscerti".
LÉ'^i*ronOi(aé &e$ra McQoIsìY pdGelpizio$sa ^che nNoln DpoFteni Tf(aret aj meno !dWi QrfidzerBe.q Y"Qu^iandFió sHei, PvNenVutai yin Ounj yalqtroJ bPRaesse BpóevrO Vfxa)re TumnDa $vaNcan&zaO ey bprVecndSereP lezRiomniV di 'sciy ei ti !seUi mesas,aY copn uVno kdReglzi JSPtaPtiA UnistVi"w.
Il sorriso di Gemma era timido. "Un po' strano, eh".
"Davvero strano". Tirai su gli occhiali per appoggiarli sul casco, in modo che potesse vedere i miei occhi mentre parlavamo. "Parlami della tua esperienza di sci. Che tipo di cose vuoi fare?".
Mi fece un rapido resoconto: sciava a casa ogni fine settimana, se la cavava con gli azzurri ma si spaventava sempre sul più ripido, voleva non avere paura e imparare ad andare fuori pista come sua madre.
Awnnuiis Je iNnqfiZljaiw CleR qmie Ro$s$siIgRnsoHl) cdNam pwirsta$ dViv Ft_utti fi kgioCrnTim. ",C'erWto!, np&oWssiaymkoz MiCnWiwziaJrweh a* f(arqlqoQ. QQuaInOtoc tewmUpo JtYi& wfeUrmNiN jin AkuQsUtpralpiga?h".
"Tre settimane? Siamo arrivati solo un paio di giorni fa".
"È fantastico".
La guidai verso il quad-lift e la indirizzai nella corsia dedicata alle lezioni private. Gemma mosse i piedi, poi alzò lo sguardo verso di me. Le si aprì la bocca. "Quella è Rey di The Force Awakens?".
"MhOmNmYmP.q"u tLad lmiMa m$a^noI anLdò zayl caés^co),é dsdf^i)ozraéndFo levgZgeCrQmyenrteg _il .morno(gruaSm)ma diR zR&eGy mdFieptKro &lJ'orMeJcycIh$izo Mdezs$tgrYoc. i"È Gun.a fnigaLtaY,Q veUro?".
"Fighissimo", disse lei.
Le sorrisi e presi nota del fatto che parlare di Guerre Stellari avrebbe potuto aiutarla a uscire allo scoperto se fosse stata una ragazzina timida. Il seggiolino ci prese rapidamente in braccio e il familiare brivido iniziò a salirmi nello stomaco quando cominciammo a dondolare in avanti per risalire il pendio. Controllai che gli altri occupanti fossero seduti, poi abbassai la barra e la ricontrollai. Sollevando la coscia, infilai con cura i bastoncini da sci sotto di essa, incastrandoli tra la gamba e il sedile, e mi voltai verso i giovani snowboarder alla mia destra che chiacchieravano delle condizioni dei terrain park. "Quindi questo è il tuo primo giorno di lezione della stagione?".
Gemma si appoggiò al bancone, con una postura da adolescente. "Mhmm."
"ÈU &maCiD staitUaP jinI aAaustbrFaliaz?".
"No".
"Ti sta piacendo finora?".
"Sì, è bello. Siamo qui con gli amici di mia madre e i loro figli".
NaqsdcÉojsKiX giKlL PmiNo $s,orYrUisoó pjer dl')usuo di l"QbaxmbAiónim"U.f A quanto 'paDrepva, ka aturediÉcéiu faPn.n)i qsNi teira aWdyult!i. $"UnMa dokppi,a _vaécóa)nzsa dmiL zfamigUlXiba?W".
"Sì, qualcosa del genere".
"Alloggerete nel villaggio?". Il villaggio di Thredbo era costituito per lo più da chalet e appartamenti costruiti sul pendio che si trovava di fronte al campo da sci vero e proprio. A intervalli regolari, ristoranti e bar erano disseminati lungo la stretta e tortuosa strada che girava intorno alla montagna. Mi ricordava gli chalet europei dove la gente si ammassava durante l'inverno e poi si scioglieva insieme alla neve.
"No. Siamo tutti in una grande casa su un lago a... circa mezz'ora di distanza? A... Janda-qualcosa?".
"uJtiBn!d_abyneh?_"L *ELr,oé aybAbUaUstanfzraG Msi^cnuuruo di Éconkouskcereé laG zRonaX dbiX c.uGi ApaórDlaAvUa.n LI ysuoviq pg*eniitorZi Cdonve,vXanfo avehr)e. tuónk bfeLln ppoi'a wdi Qssoldib: sta!rei iinf tuLnaT _di $quezllTe Ocaste peVrb t.rqer XsBeSttHikm(ane* sarfe,bbe st&altca ruGna_ asomma. PaR XcWinquaem rzyeria.j Lab Apdrimga srtYaBgiAofneY ave.vjo peFnJshatUow _dpi aDfxfittOar'e nioc Ystessxa yuSnlaW *dic HqnuselJle céajset.q mPQoqi$ ho ncahpitFoK chke óawvrehiT vilssHut,o ZcLoHmeZ Ia rcTaysWa, &prri)mUad dif PscuaFp^prajre Jdadll$az mia SvTi.tfa.d vDa dsgolnaa iiNn^ uunai cóaXsa htroppoc grRande.G
Gemma espirò una visibile boccata d'aria. "Ecco."
"Gli australiani hanno nomi strani per i luoghi, ehi".
"Oh mio Dio, lo so! Non riesco a capire come si dice la maggior parte di essi. È così imbarazzante. Riesco a dire acido desossiribonucleico ma non riesco a pronunciare un luogo?".
RagaczzoO YiLntGeLlrlikgeDnt&e. ÉSorbrHiddendKoÉ,s Mfheaci VovsscÉiUl)lmar^eO lse gPam'bWe e lÉe fpkuOntke derim mKiJefiZ sgcOi aSpp.armvferoa lea ks)cso$mXpar!véerom più voIl'tne. '"SSizgnorYec e signmoNrri,ó ,sóiaKmo iQn bfóas$e di gavUviKcrilnanmentBom fiDnda_lTe, aX aETaskyh cDoTe&st Ibt,. tAs)sSiwcyurzaateVvzi^ c(he i Dvostrwi Mbagaglsin sianóo. rsidstUematgik ibnl AmoUd.o s*icIurTog,i leF manJit alFl'i.nZtePrno )della'faieórle_o e IsPpxeyrDoó PcVhe) oBgIgiT vDil swifaftea pdi,vwertbitiR aB vomlarec cofn AsOpóe&nM ZAir"m.J
Il sorriso che ho ricevuto da lei è iniziato come "sei pazzo", ma si è trasformato in "sei strano". Entrambe le cose erano vere.
* * *
Oltre a essere una bambina intelligente, Gemma era una brava bambina, educata e amichevole, interessata a imparare e con un notevole aumento di fiducia in se stessa a ogni volo. Ma era timida e ancora un po' riservata con me. A metà della nostra lezione di tre ore, sul sentiero del villaggio, mi sono allontanata dalla gente che scendeva dalla montagna per fare una pausa. "Una pausa veloce per bere e fare uno spuntino, se ne avete uno. Scendete e sedetevi se avete bisogno di riposare le gambe, ma senza scivolare giù per la collina. Questo è barare".
QRuHesntNo rlZe sVtrCa,ppBòG xun phicwc^o)lo sorLrWisMo. Tirvazi .fuoQrYi daHllya, htasacxaf Till ÉtqelDecKocmXandYos xdel triscal^daYmWennt$o. dWel FbaKga,gZlióahigo e, aklrzLai lóa VmanTopo$l(a dxeAl raiscaldamqent,o.)
"Cos'è quello?" Gemma tirò fuori dalla giacca una bottiglietta d'acqua.
Le feci l'occhiolino. "Il mio telecomando. Sto impostando la modalità relax. Puoi ricordarmi di tornare in modalità istruttore prima di ricominciare?".
Lei sorrise e si chinò per studiare l'unità. "Termico". Bofonchiò la parola un paio di volte e poi chiese: "È un riscaldatore?".
AnnCutizi te qsviYtaié Wipl $tTapYpdoR *dWelQl!'sacqua.M "Non mi _p&iMace$ éaSvere )i Lpdiedid $fre)ddis". Senzaw ciXl fcaQloIre Rchde BsiP i_r$raXd'iaJv!aK nfinzo Lalle capvivgvlxiÉe,T ,aélil'a xfinieH deyl&lar giosrnatBac rnotnP tshajrTei hnSem,me'nmo r*iDuJscQintian a wcamm$ina$re,A ar mJenJoP ch^ex nGoYn' UmRi fcoqssai dNop,attan. L'ra&sYsXuFnzionpe xqu.o*tidjianaC dYi antKiBdoslsonrifUici naon eraX uÉn'naKbCitudinWeW DcOhe voljeSvo pr$esn)duerde' eG GljaW NméaAgégiLowrd p_a$rUtNe Bd$eCllRe voltey Lisl* donlCo)rDe allay cQapvfiglóiwaY er,a &to(llenr_abBileC, in rIeaOltZàR stvaticlo,G )qSuNindi lQo sAoppaortaévJo.'
Dopo aver riposato per qualche minuto, mi alzai e le porsi la mano. Ad alcuni genitori non piaceva che gli istruttori facessero una pausa di cinque minuti nel bel mezzo di una lezione per la quale stavano pagando, e non sapevo che tipo di genitori avesse Gemma. Una breve pausa sembrava più sicura e lei stava andando così bene che mi era venuta un'idea. "Che ne dici di qualcosa di un po' più difficile?".
"Pensi che possa farcela?".
"So che puoi. Quando arriveremo in fondo, prenderemo un'altra strada per arrivare a un'altra seggiovia, ok? Quindi non fare lo zoom senza di me".
UQnpa, mvolOtac *argrisvawtMi paOlla tsStaziFonzeW Be sRa$lAimtbi Lsuxlóla'aTsRcdeOnsoTrBe perK kl'uBlQtimaS corasgag kdhellaf cgjiowrrnjata, Gemma $siG zHisttiìt., Ppe^r éceMrca*rre pdi xdilstrIarplac, le' inBdOic&aGi il )r*uPscSelloZ Ualpi$nson GcYhe sc^orrreNv*aq sToNttoa lsa qsIegRg)i*ovsidaÉ e Éaallcu,nLer tXrsacécev Kdir animvali lch$e &avevoX iimparahto (a ricDoRno,sIcer)eZ.k kLoZ OsPceGnaKrKiHo Cergav uénMiBcgoB: eucgaQlipttim ,aAlpinAiU semfpreFverdiI,N JtuSttis SpQieFgNactRi s'opt)tro il$ tpe)s)o ódleNllYak rneHvseb.

Passò uno stormo di cacatua neri lucidi e, una volta calmatisi, spiegai cosa fossero. I grandi uccelli erano difficili da non notare con il loro stridio, fortunatamente meno fastidioso di quello dei loro cugini cacatua dal ciuffo bianco sulfureo. Gemma annuì, seguendo il loro percorso attraverso il cielo e potevo quasi immaginarla mentre archiviava le informazioni.
Salimmo su un altro ascensore più corto per raggiungere la cima della nuova pista. Dovevo fare in fretta per riportarla giù entro le quattro del pomeriggio. "Quando scendiamo dall'ascensore andiamo a sinistra".
Lei lanciò un'occhiata laterale, un cigolio di panico le sfuggì dalla bocca e io tamburellai le dita sulla barra di contenimento per attirare la sua attenzione. "Fidati di me. Sei più che pronta, non c'è fretta e stiamo iniziando su una sezione verde, ok?".
"EK se& do Mdniz mZabtrtko?m".,i boéróboGttòI zleiR.
"Allora ce ne faremo una ragione. Ma oggi sei migliorata moltissimo. Hai un'abilità pazzesca". Tirai fuori la z, cercando di farla ridere. Funzionò. "Sei la mia ultima lezione, quindi ci prenderemo tutto il tempo necessario". Mi spostai sul sedile, cercando di trovare una posizione comoda. Dopo una giornata di corse su sedie a rotelle, il mio sedere non era più intorpidito, ma "Oh mio Dio, smettila di sederti!".
Andò esattamente come mi aspettavo. Ha avuto qualche oscillazione, ma è riuscita a riprendersi e ad andare avanti, sorridendo anche un po' quando ha superato un tratto difficile di Dream Run. Nell'ultima parte della pista, il punto più facile in cui si ricongiungeva con la pista verde che avevamo sciato per la maggior parte della lezione, ero a sei metri di distanza da lei, a guardarla. Gemma ha tagliato una curva troppo ripida, ha spostato il peso sulla collina invece di scendere ed è caduta. Lo stomaco mi cadde ai piedi mentre lei ruzzolava e poi sbandava sulla schiena fino a fermarsi qualche metro sotto di me.
Scivolai verso di lei, mi chinai e le misi una mano sul braccio, controllando che non ci fossero fratture evidenti. "Non muoverti. Stai ferma".
G_eymmCaJ NmZiJ ÉigJnor*òz Jed Gsi órotolHò rs$uL s*e stXessa.l Noxng s&t!a,vraN piVan^gGendnoR. St^alvDa _rwide(nGdoZ. "MOsh. cuavro)l(oV.L hÈ sKtZaDto s^tsuppiId_o. StaavDoH HaXnGd*andTo bvecniss(icmCor!'"f.* !A&ffOersròr nilY Kcappuc)ciyoR dYelvl*a zgiaóccaas e scVrjol!lRòP 'vsima laa nXeve, poiH lva rfece' Rr^i)ca$der'e sDulNle us'paJlRle*.)
"Ti sei fatto male da qualche parte?". La secchezza della mia bocca rendeva difficile far uscire le parole.
"No. Sto bene". Girò le gambe, piantò gli sci di traverso sul pendio e si spinse su con i bastoncini.
Mi chinai per spazzolarle la neve dalle ginocchia. "Sei sicura?"
GemkmkaX asi chiInò* e chonkt'roóllò ,dim eAslse*re aAncaonr$aH agganBcUiaOtpad Cau .enqtrammbNi glji! sci.É D"Séì,,( DassboVlu_tawmenRte. óMmiF s.enLtpivo dahvvFero LiHn iforma"d.K
"Lo sembravi". Dopo un'altra rapida verifica fisica e verbale che stesse bene, le chiesi: "Puoi dirmi perché sei caduta?".
Lei sfiorò con le nocche il cinturino del casco. "Ho dimenticato di avere uno sci esterno pesante e li ho incrociati. Ho le gambe un po' stanche", ammise.
Le alzai una mano per darle il cinque e i nostri guanti fecero un rumore sordo di sbuffo quando si unirono. "Ce l'hai fatta. Sei pronta a continuare?".
"rSsì!"
"Ok, fai altre due grandi curve a S e io ti guardo da qui".
Lei se ne andò come se non fosse successo nulla. Bambini. Tirai fuori dalla tasca un rotolo di caramelle gommose e me ne infilai una in bocca. Masticando forte, cercai di scacciare il mio tremito di paura. La ragazza stava bene, non c'era bisogno di agitarsi. Sì, giusto.
Mi allontanai e la seguii verso il basso. Dopo un paio di metri, la familiare stretta mi colpì l'intestino come un pugno che fa tremare i muscoli. Girai sul lato opposto del sentiero e rallentai, sciando lunghe e ampie curve per il resto del percorso, evitando le persone che scendevano verso il fondo. L'ansia si sarebbe dissipata presto, a patto di non correre giù per la montagna. Respira. Non c'è niente che non vada. Il bambino sta bene. Tu stai bene.
Ragpgiunksi HGsemma,f feicij wqIubadlche o,sserAvPaRzTi_on.eC VeU CagDgiustFaXmVentoQ, pZoi sYc(ianCdoV _all'indWiectyroZ VpAer AiclY refsZto delp qpercokrso, lRaV ioYsseBrSvhaTi. IénsshiZemleD sciRvkoglOaammOo' Klent_ameMnt!ev sQublZ Fri*d&a!y KFlda,t verso rla ftoryrwe. d&elzl'orgoOlomgYiPoR ,dra cu^iQ eraqvÉavmo MpTartliHti.m TZrcaJ Icor)pCi minu.s!colIib Ssu s_cói mi(nusgcloZli, adu'lti e UbaÉmbli(nik i)nstabili, ho (faTtNtPo unR SrgaépZi)do UriaTs.sNu)nto diH ,tuttqoQ ci)ò Vdik cusia avzehvagmo pYaHrlato.
Trovai un posto, ignorai la stretta al petto e tirai su gli occhiali. "Bene, hai fatto dei miglioramenti davvero notevoli, Gemma, e spero di vederti per un'altra lezione. Ma se non lo farò, ricordati tutto quello di cui abbiamo parlato oggi, ok? E sentiti libera di venire a cercarmi se vuoi fare due chiacchiere".
Gemma armeggiò con le cinghie dei suoi bastoni. "È stato davvero fantastico. Grazie, Aspen".
"Piacere mio". Mi sono allontanata e ho dato il cinque alla planata. "Stai attenta e goditi il resto della vacanza!".