Chapter 11 — “Avalanche Hearts.”

Snow blanketed the mountains by morning, piling high on jagged boulders and weighing down the pine branches with thick, powdery layers. The road north had all but vanished beneath it, forcing the wagon to creak through a white world that glowed softly under the pale light of dawn. Frost glittered on every branch, and here and there, icicles hung like crystal daggers from overhanging limbs. The wind carried a sharp, biting cold, stinging cheeks and noses, and every breath seemed to hang in the air before fading. The hush was almost sacred—only the crunch of boots, the distant caw of a crow, and the occasional flick of Steph’s tail broke the stillness.

Runa exhaled, her breath forming a cloud. “Feels like the mountain’s watching us.”

Kael adjusted the reins, squinting at the winding path ahead. “Let it watch. We’ve got nothing to hide.”

Trixa smirked. “Except for whatever Steph’s about to trip over.”

Steph was walking backward at that exact moment, chatting animatedly with Seren about spell formation. “I’m telling you, if you twist your wrist like this, the flame gets all swirly, meow!”

“Steph,” Liora warned, “you’re—”

Thunk.

Steph’s tail had caught under one of the wagon’s ropes. There was a startled yelp as her feet tangled together, arms pinwheeling wildly. She spun halfway around, smacking her elbow against the wagon’s side, then toppled backward, landing with a muffled whump in a soft pile of snow. A startled bird burst from a nearby bush, and a stray snowball—dislodged by her flailing—sailed through the air and smacked Kael in the shoulder.

Liora sighed, offering a hand. “You’re the only mage I know who can lose to gravity.”

Steph grabbed her hand, tugging herself upright—but her boots slipped on the packed snow, and she wobbled like a startled goose. With a surprised squeal, she toppled forward, yanking Liora off balance too. Both flailed, arms windmilling, before they crashed back into the drift in a tangle of limbs, this time with Liora landing squarely on top. Snow exploded up around them, showering their hair and filling the necks of their coats, while Steph’s hat skittered away on the breeze like a fleeing animal.

“See?” Steph grinned, snowflakes dusting her lashes. “Shared defeat, meow.”

Liora muttered something under her breath about karma, but her face was red enough to match a forge flame. She averted her gaze, refusing to meet anyone’s eyes, and fussed with her snow-caked hair, trying to shake loose the clumps. When she finally glanced up, she caught Trixa’s knowing smirk and immediately looked away again, cheeks somehow growing even hotter. The mortifying sound of snow sliding down her collar made her shiver and hunch her shoulders, wishing she could disappear into the drift.

Trixa leaned from the wagon. “Are we interrupting a bonding ritual?”

Runa snorted. “Nah, that’s just foreplay with extra snow.”

Steph purred. “Best foreplay ever, meow.”

Everyone howled with laughter, some doubling over and clutching their sides, while Kael nearly slipped off the wagon bench from snorting so hard. Trixa wiped tears from her eyes, gasping for breath. Snow shook loose from the branches above the group, showering the wagon and adding to the chaos. Except for Liora, who glared daggers at Steph, her cheeks still flushed and arms folded stiffly across her chest. Steph, oblivious to the commotion, was busy trying to fish her hat out of a snowdrift, her tail twitching with indignation as another clump of snow landed squarely on her head.

The Yodeling Yeti

The next afternoon brought howling winds that whipped loose snow into swirling eddies and sent flecks of ice stinging against exposed skin. The trail narrowed to a precarious ribbon clinging to the mountainside, forcing them to walk single file, with only a sheer drop on one side and jagged rocks jutting out on the other. Snow crusted every ledge and crevice, while brittle tufts of mountain grass poked through the drifts, shivering in the wind. Somewhere ahead, a strange booming echoed through the mountains—a mournful, rhythmic sound that carried on the air like a giant’s heartbeat. Far below, a frozen river glimmered in the weak sunlight, and above, clouds tumbled low, threatening more snow before nightfall.

Kael raised a hand. “That’s no avalanche.”

“Could be a storm spirit,” Seren said quietly.

Steph tilted her head, listening as the wind whistled through the pine boughs and sent little cyclones of snow spinning between the rocks. Her ears flicked at the distant echo of booming, which seemed to bounce from peak to peak, mingling with the soft groan of ice shifting on the mountainside. Then, because she was Steph, she cupped her hands and shouted, “HELLO, MEOW!” Her voice rang out, startling a pair of snow hares from their hiding place and sending a spray of loose powder tumbling off a nearby ledge.

The echo came back louder—and… cheerier?

“HELLO, MEOW!”

Trixa blinked. “Did the mountain just flirt back?”

Before anyone could reply, a massive white-furred creature lumbered out of the swirling mist, snow clinging in clumps to its shaggy fur and icicles dangling from its elbows. Each heavy step left crater-like prints in the powder, and as it drew closer, the ground seemed to tremble with its weight. It had bright blue eyes that sparkled like glacier pools, a wide, goofy grin showing off a snaggletooth, and was clutching… a slightly wilted but colorful flower garland between enormous, mitten-like paws.

Steph blinked. “It’s adorable, meow!”

The Yodeling Yeti roared a note so deep that snow slid off nearby rocks in miniature avalanches, sending startled mountain birds flapping into the sky. The vibrations made the wagon rattle, and a few icicles overhead dropped with a tinkling crash. Then, to everyone’s shock, the yeti plopped down cross-legged, its enormous feet sticking out awkwardly, and began humming tunelessly—loud enough to make Liora clutch her ears, and Trixa’s hat vibrate off her head, landing in a snowbank. The sound echoed between the cliffs, causing a shower of snow-dust to rain down on the party.

Seren whispered, “It’s lonely.”

Steph approached slowly, tail swishing. “Hi, big fuzzy! You sing pretty, meow.”

The yeti blinked, its shaggy brows lifting in a comical expression of surprise. Giant nostrils flared as it sniffed the air, accidentally inhaling a flurry of snowflakes that made it sneeze—a tremendous, whooshing sound that sent flakes swirling around Steph and left Trixa brushing powder out of her hair. Then, with the careful precision of someone trying not to crush a butterfly, the yeti held out a pouch of glittering crystals, its enormous paw trembling slightly with excitement.

Kael frowned. “Is… is it trading with you?”

Steph grinned. “See? Music diplomacy, meow.”

They swapped: crystals for half a loaf of bread and one of Runa’s pickled eggs (which the yeti immediately ate shell and all, crunching enthusiastically with a sound like boulders colliding). A few stray crumbs and flecks of eggshell sprayed from its mouth, dusting the snow at Steph’s feet. When it lumbered off, it paused mid-stride to scratch its snowy rump against a pine tree, shaking loose a shower of powder that rained down on Kael. Then, with a cheerful, clumsy wave, the yeti sent a blast of wind that nearly knocked everyone over—Steph’s hat flew off again, and Liora had to grab Trixa to keep her from tumbling into a drift. The snow swirled in its wake, leaving a zigzag trail of enormous footprints marching off into the mist.

Mini-Quest Complete: “The Yodeling Yeti.”
Reward: 3 Frost Crystals | Party XP +300 | Morale +10 | Rare Item: Yeti’s Garland (Charm, grants +2 Cold Resistance to wearer) | New Achievement: ‘Yodel Buddy’ Unlocked | All party members gain +1 Inspiration.

Runa wiped snow off her shoulder. “Only you could make friends with a mountain monster.”

Steph beamed. “Best friendship ever, meow.”

Tail Trouble #2 — The Avalanche Kiss

The storm hit two days later.

Wind tore at their cloaks, turning the world into a whirl of white. Icy gusts blasted their faces, numbing fingers and ears, while fine snowflakes slipped under collars and stung any exposed skin. The wagon had to be abandoned temporarily; they tied the horses—whose flanks steamed with sweat despite the cold—and climbed on foot through a narrow ridge. Drifts piled up against jagged rocks, and the crunch of boots was muffled beneath the thickening blanket. Icicles hung from overhangs like frozen teeth, creaking and swaying with each blast of wind. All around, snow swirled in wild spirals, snaking between the rocks like smoke and veiling the world in a shifting, ghostly haze.

“Stay close!” Liora shouted over the roar. “Step where I—”

Steph’s tail whipped sideways, snagging Liora’s leg mid-step.

There was a split-second of wild flailing—Liora windmilling her arms, Steph yelping as her own feet shot out from under her. Snow flew in every direction as they tumbled, rolling and sliding down the slope in a chaotic blur. Steph’s hat spun off her head and bounced down ahead of them, while Liora’s boots kicked up rooster-tails of powder. At one point, Steph’s scarf wrapped around Liora’s arm, tangling them together as they spun past a half-buried log. The world was nothing but flying snow, shrieks, and the dizzy rush of cold.

They finally landed in a soft, sprawling heap against a drift near a frozen stream—legs and arms akimbo, hair full of snow, and laughter echoing in the silent, white wilderness.

Liora groaned. “I said stay close, not—”

Steph lifted her head—snowflakes clinging to her hair, cheeks flushed from the tumble—and their lips brushed, a fleeting, accidental touch as cold breath mingled between them.

The world seemed to freeze. The wind held its breath; even the falling snow seemed suspended in midair, tiny crystals glinting like stars around them. The icy stream nearby gurgled softly, the only sound in a world suddenly muted by surprise.

For a moment, there was no wind, no sound, just warmth blooming between them, melting the snow on their lashes and turning the cold into something sweet and electric.

Then Liora jolted back, face crimson. “That—was an accident!”

Steph’s pupils widened. “Happy accident, meow.”

From above, Runa’s voice echoed faintly: “Are you two alive or just practicing?!”

“Alive!” Liora shouted, flustered. “And—fine!”

Steph purred softly, cheeks glowing. “Best rescue ever, meow.”

Liora gave her a light shove, trying not to smile. “You’re impossible.”

“And charming, meow.”

Tail Incident #2 Logged — Flirt Level +3 | Avalanche Avoided | Pride –1 | Liora Relationship +10 | Steph gains Temporary Buff: Heartbeat Haste (Speed +1 for next encounter) | Secret Achievement Unlocked: ‘Sliding Into Destiny’ | All party members gain +2 Luck for the next day.

Campfire Confessions

That night, they found a small cave to shelter from the storm. The entrance was half-hidden by a drift of snow, and icicles hung like glass daggers above the threshold. Inside, the air was tinged with the earthy scent of lichen and wet stone. The firelight flickered on damp stone walls, casting long, dancing shadows and glinting off tiny crystals embedded in the rock. The sound of crackling wood echoed faintly in the hollow, mingling with the distant howl of wind outside. Pools of melted snow seeped along the floor, and every now and then, a drop of water fell from the ceiling with a soft plink, marking the slow thaw of the mountain’s heart.

Runa and Kael took the first watch. Kael’s sharp eyes scanned the cave entrance, his hand never far from the hilt of his sword, while Runa methodically checked her satchel for herbs and bandages. Seren and Trixa were asleep near the wagon tarp—Seren curled up small and neat, book clutched to her chest, while Trixa sprawled on her back, one arm flung out and the other tucked beneath her head, hat pulled low over her eyes. Liora sat by the fire, drying her gloves, her dark hair falling in damp strands over her brow; the firelight caught the faint scar along her jaw, a souvenir from a childhood accident, and her eyes flickered with quiet determination as she flexed her chilled fingers. Steph, sitting cross-legged across from her, watched the flames dance across her new armor—her tail curled tight around her ankles, ears twitching at every stray noise, and a soft, hopeful smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

Liora finally said quietly, “You know… for someone who claims to be chaotic, you’ve got good instincts.”

Steph tilted her head. “That sounds like a compliment, meow.”

“It might be,” Liora said softly, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. “Just… maybe next time, try not to use your tail as a weapon.”

Steph grinned. “No promises, meow.”

The fire crackled between them, sending occasional sparks dancing up toward the rough ceiling. Snow fell quietly outside the cave entrance, each flake catching the firelight and glimmering before melting into the growing drift. Beyond the sheltered mouth of the cave, wind sculpted the fallen snow into rippling, moonlit dunes, and the distant trees stood half-shrouded in a silver haze. The storm’s fury softened to a distant hum, broken now and then by the faint snap of a frozen branch or the muffled call of a nightbird braving the cold.

For once, everything felt calm—warm, even. Liora’s gaze lingered on Steph a moment longer than usual, her expression softening in the glow of the firelight. She noticed the way Steph’s ears flicked at the smallest sound, the careful way she tucked her tail close to the warmth, and the gentle curve of her smile. Liora’s fingers paused in their task, and when Steph glanced up and met her eyes, a flutter of nervous energy passed between them—electric and new. Liora looked away quickly, cheeks tinged with color, pretending to adjust her bowstring, but her posture had relaxed, unconsciously leaning ever so slightly closer toward the fire—and toward Steph.

System Log:
Main Quest: “Echoes of the Old World” — Progress 38%
Mini-Quest Complete: “The Yodeling Yeti”
Bonus Objective: Befriend the Yeti — Complete!

Tail Trouble Level: 2 (Moderate)
Liora Relationship: Warming (+20)

Party Status: Well-rested, Morale +10, Inspiration +2

Inventory Update: Gained 3 Frost Crystals, Rare Item: Yeti’s Garland (Charm, +2 Cold Resistance)

Achievements: ‘Yodel Buddy’ (Make peace with a mountain monster), ‘Sliding Into Destiny’ (Survive a slapstick avalanche with a kiss)

Temporary Buffs: Heartbeat Haste (Steph, Speed +1), Luck +2 (All, 1 day)

New Party Memory: ‘Avalanche Hearts’ (Unlocked in Campfire Stories menu)

Steph yawned, curling up near the fire, her tail wrapping around her like a blanket. The warmth of the flames painted her features in soft gold, and she tucked her chin into her folded arms, eyes fluttering closed. The gentle crackle of burning wood and the rhythmic drip of melting snow outside mingled with the slow, steady sound of Steph’s breathing. “Night, meow.”

Liora smiled faintly, watching her friend settle in. She drew her own blanket tighter around her shoulders, edging a little closer to the fire and to Steph. For a moment, she simply listened to the hush of the cave, the muffled storm, and the reassuring presence beside her. “Goodnight, Steph.”

Outside, the snow fell in silver silence—soft and steady, blanketing the mountains in a hush that promised both peace and possibility. Their footprints faded beneath the gentle drift, but the warmth they shared lingered in the cave, a fragile ember against the deep winter night. Above them, the storm had spent its rage, leaving the stars to peek through ragged clouds, casting faint, hopeful glimmers over the sleeping world. And though the road ahead remained uncertain, for now, the memory of the avalanche, the laughter, and the kiss glowed quietly in their hearts—a promise that even in the coldest places, something bright and new could take root.

Interlude — “Level Up and Morning Warmth.”

The storm had passed sometime before dawn, leaving a quiet world wrapped in snow and silence. Outside, the drifts lay smooth and untouched, sculpted by wind into gentle curves that caught the first blush of sunrise. Pale light filtered through the cave’s entrance, glinting off icicles and scattering faint rainbows across the walls. Frost feathers traced delicate patterns on the rocks, and each shallow breath sent little clouds curling into the chilly air. The campfire had died to a handful of glowing embers, yet the air was still warm—though not entirely because of the fire. Somewhere in the distance, a jay called, its cry sharp and bright in the new morning, and the faint scent of woodsmoke lingered as if holding the memory of the night’s shelter.

A soft ding chimed through the stillness.

SYSTEM UPDATE:
Experience Threshold Reached — Team Glitchlight Level Up!

Steph (Felari Mage): Level 11 → 12
Magic Control +3 (Spell casting is smoother and less prone to fizzles)

Luck +5 (Increased chance for critical spell effects and finding rare items)

Tail Coordination... unchanged (but comedic potential increased)

New Passive: ‘Warmth of Heart’ — Minor healing aura activates in close proximity to allies.

Liora (Elvari Ranger): Level 12 → 13

Accuracy +4 (Improved ranged attacks, higher chance to hit elusive targets)

Stealth +2 (Steps are quieter, blending with snowy terrain)

Resistance to Felari Distractions +1 (Temporary, lasts until next long rest)

New Skill: ‘Avalanche Scout’ — Can detect unstable snow and hidden mountain hazards.

Runa (Ordin Shieldmaiden): Level 10 → 11

Defense +3 (Greater resilience against physical and magical attacks)

Stamina +4 (Extended endurance during travel and battle)

Sarcasm Proficiency +2 (Wittier banter, minor morale boost to party)

New Feat: ‘Shield Wall’ — Allies adjacent to Runa gain +2 Defense.

Trixa (Felari Thief): Level 11 → 12

Dexterity +4 (Enhanced agility for traps, locks, and acrobatics)

Troublemaking +3 (Easier to distract enemies and create diversions)

New Talent: ‘Snowglide’ — Movement speed is unaffected by deep snow.

Kael (Elvari Swordswoman): Level 12 → 13

Precision +3 (Attacks are more likely to exploit enemy weaknesses)

Patience +2 (More likely to avoid impulsive actions; cooldowns slightly reduced)

New Technique: ‘Icicle Riposte’ — Counterattack inflicts cold damage once per encounter.

Seren (Human Cleric): Level 10 → 11

Healing Output +4 (Restores extra HP with healing spells)

Tendency to Mutter About Her Sins +3 (Occasionally distracts enemies with guilty rambling)

New Blessing: ‘Winter’s Grace’ — Once per day, negate one cold-based status effect on the party.

Party Title Gained: “The Avalanche Survivors”

Bonus: +10% Cold Resistance while in physical contact with allies.

New Group Perk: ‘Shared Warmth’ — Party recovers from cold exhaustion twice as fast when resting together.

Unlocked Journal Entry: ‘Surviving the Avalanche — Lessons Learned’ (viewable in Party Codex).

Morning

Runa stirred first, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as the pale chill of dawn crept into the cave. Her breath curled in silvery wisps, and the faint glow of dying embers painted a patchwork of gold and shadow across the stone floor. Instinct had her hand drifting toward her weapon—old habits from a life on the road—but what she saw made her pause, a smile blooming despite the cold.

Steph and Liora lay curled together beneath a shared bedroll, tangled like kittens in a patch of sunlight. Steph’s tail draped protectively across Liora’s waist, its tip twitching even in sleep, while Liora’s hand rested over Steph’s shoulder. Their faces were soft and unguarded in the hush, the lines of worry smoothed by warmth and the gentle comfort of each other’s presence. Little puffs of their breath mingled and drifted above the blankets, and now and then, a stray snowflake floated through the cave mouth to settle on their hair before melting into a shining bead.

Outside, the snow lay deep and undisturbed, glittering in the early light, and the only sounds were the faint crackle of the fire’s last embers and the distant sigh of wind weaving through icy trees. For that fragile moment, the world felt safe and secret—a small haven carved out of winter, shaped by trust, affection, and the promise of a new day.

Runa leaned back on one elbow, whispering to herself, “Well, that explains why it’s so warm in here.”

Kael opened one eye from her spot near the cave wall. “They’re either adorable or doomed.”

Trixa, half-awake and chewing dried fruit, whispered, “Five gold says they both pretend it didn’t happen.”

Seren was kneeling near the firepit, stoking the coals with deliberate focus. “Let them rest. They earned it.”

The Awakening

A faint flick of movement—Steph’s ears twitched first, catching the faintest draft from the cave’s mouth, then her tail curled tighter around Liora’s waist, instinctively seeking warmth. She murmured in her sleep, something halfway between a purr and a sleepy, “Warm, meow…” The gentle vibration of her voice, low and content, seemed to hum through the shared cocoon of blankets. The scent of woodsmoke and melting frost lingered in the close air, mingling with the subtle sweetness of Liora’s hair.

Liora blinked awake next, blinking against the muted blue light that crept across the cave walls. For a moment, she was suspended between dream and waking, the weight and heat of Steph pressed close against her. Confusion melted into realization as the softness of Steph’s hair tickled her chin and the steady, rhythmic breath against her collarbone sent a flush through her chest. Her eyes widened as she took in their positions: Steph’s head tucked beneath her chin, their legs hopelessly tangled under the bedroll, and the gentle, comforting thump of Steph’s purring against her skin.

“Oh no.”

Steph stirred, eyes half-open, voice soft. “Morning, meow… comfy pillow.”

Liora froze. “…That’s my arm.”

Steph yawned. “Then best pillow ever, meow.”

By the time the others noticed they were awake, both girls were red-faced and fumbling with the blankets, their hands tripping over each other in their haste to restore some semblance of dignity. Steph sat up abruptly, sending a small cascade of snowflakes flying from her tangled hair, which stood up in a wild halo of gold and static. Her ears twitched, catching the amused snorts and muffled laughter from their friends. Liora, cheeks burning, pretended to focus intently on repacking her quiver, but her fingers struggled with the straps, trembling just enough to betray her embarrassment. The cave was now filled with the rustle of blankets, the soft crunch of boots on frosty stone, and an undercurrent of barely-contained amusement that crackled through the chilly morning air.

Runa crossed her arms, smirking. “Efficient heat sharing, I see.”

Liora shot her a look sharp enough to deflect arrows. “Don’t start.”

Trixa chimed in, tail flicking. “Too late. Starting is my specialty.”

Steph stretched, oblivious to the teasing, her tail flicking dangerously close to the stew pot. “Best nap ever, meow.”

Runa laughed under her breath. “You two are going to make the next week very entertaining.”

Back on the Trail

Once breakfast was packed and everyone had thawed their limbs, they hitched the wagon again. The path ahead gleamed like silver glass, reflecting the pale sun in blinding flashes. Frost clung to the wagon wheels, and the horses' breath billowed in thick clouds, briefly haloed by the morning light. Each step sent a satisfying crunch through the stillness, and the cold seemed to sharpen every sound—creaking harness leather, the jingle of reins, the low murmur of boots on ice. Steam vents puffed between rocks, their warmth ghosting upward into the cold morning and curling around ankles in fleeting wisps. Overhead, a pair of ravens circled and called to each other, their voices echoing in the bright, brittle air.

Steph rode on the tailgate, humming a song off-key and dangling her bare feet in the air. “Beans happy again, meow.”

Liora walked beside the wagon, checking the terrain. “I’m surprised they didn’t fall off in the night.”

“They were well-insulated, meow.”

Runa, guiding the horses, grinned without turning around. “We noticed.”

Liora groaned softly into her scarf. “I’m surrounded by children.”

Trixa, from atop the crates, smirked. “Oh, did something else happen last night we don’t know about?”

Liora’s eyes went wide, her usual composure shattering as her cheeks flushed bright pink. She spluttered and coughed, pressing a gloved fist to her mouth in a desperate attempt to regain control. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, and her shoulders shook as she struggled to breathe, caught between outrage, embarrassment, and the urge to laugh. For a moment, her sharp, stoic ranger’s mask slipped entirely, revealing the flustered, vulnerable warmth she usually kept hidden beneath cool confidence.

Steph grinned widely, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she placed both hands dramatically over her stomach. “Don’t worry, meow—no kittens in my belly! Only breakfast, and maybe one or two snowflakes.” She stuck out her tongue, winking at Trixa and sending a quick, playful flick of her tail in Liora’s direction.

Liora turned to Steph, fixing her with an exaggerated glare—her cheeks still a furious shade of pink, eyes bright with exasperation and the hint of a reluctant smile. “Stop talking, Steph.” The scolding came out more like a plea, her voice cracking just slightly as she tried—and failed—to keep a straight face. The moment hung for a beat before dissolving into chaos: Runa doubled over with laughter, Trixa nearly toppled from her perch on the crates, and even Kael let out a rare, hearty snort. The cold air rang with their laughter, echoing off the snowy cliffs and sending a flock of startled birds flapping from a nearby pine. For a moment, the chill and the long road ahead didn’t matter—just the warmth of shared embarrassment, and the bright, ridiculous joy of the morning.

System Log:
Party Morale: +25 (All party members gain +1 Inspiration; minor resistance to cold for the next encounter)

Steph-Liora Relationship: “Comfortably Flustered” (New Social Link Level: Unlocked ‘Shared Glances’ — bonus to teamwork when acting together)

Main Quest: “Echoes of the Old World” — Progress 45% (Milestone reached: New map area revealed — Frostspire Crest)

Objective: Continue north through Frostspire Pass.

Side Note: Group Reputation with Mountain Spirits: +5 (Friendly)

Party Inventory Update: Gained 1 Bundle of Mountain Herbs (can be brewed for minor healing or stamina)

Achievement Unlocked: ‘Laughter in the Wilds’ — Maintain high morale through hardship (Viewable in Achievements menu)

As the mountains grew taller around them, the slopes rose like frozen waves, casting long, blue shadows over the valley. The snow deepened, swirling into sculpted drifts along the path, and the sunlight fractured across the jagged peaks like shards of crystal, sending brief rainbows dancing on the pristine white. Pines stood sentinel along the ridges, their branches heavy with snow, and the wind tugged playfully at cloaks and scarves, carrying the sharp scent of ice and pine resin. The path ahead might have been dangerous—narrow, winding, sometimes lost beneath the drifts—but laughter echoed through the cold morning, ringing against the stone and making the whole world feel lighter, braver, and more alive.

Steph leaned back, letting the sunlight glint off her armor, and purred,
“Best morning ever, meow.”

Liora muttered, trying not to smile, “You’d better not make that a habit.”

“Already a tradition, meow.”