CHAPTER NINETY-FOUR
The ice dome continued its slow, relentless contraction, the golden sunrise now reduced to a dim amber glow filtering through thickening layers. The air already felt thinner, every breath a conscious effort.
The sisters stood in their ragged circle near the black lake shore, the guardian still trembling between Elena and Jax. The real Lila’s connection had gone completely silent.
Elena looked up at the curving ice ceiling. One year. That was all Victoria had granted them…twelve months of air, food stores, and each other before the lake and the dome claimed everything.
Mara broke the heavy quiet, her voice rough but determined.
“We don’t accept her terms. We use this year. We map every inch of what’s left.
We find weaknesses in the ice, in the systems, in her desi
