Jeremiah hadn't been kidding, the cold here stung the cheeks and brought tears to the eyes. The moment they disembarked from the chopper, they were swallowed by a crystal-white field, the snow so deep it reached up to their knees.
Violet shivered violently as they trudged through it, each step crunching underfoot. The mid-day sun hung overhead, pale and weak, casting a dull light that made the world feel like it was already evening.
"So…" Violet's breath puffed white in the air, "I was thinking about our plan."
Griffin glanced at her, his grip tightening protectively around her hand as he guided her forward. "What about the plan?" His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it — a subtle readiness to adapt if needed. If Violet would let him, he'd gladly carry her on his back, but he knew better. Her stubborn independence wouldn't allow it.
Violet hesitated, biting her lip before blurting out, "What if you didn't need to sneak me in at all?"
