The village lay silent under the cover of night, the snow crunching softly beneath Ellie’s boots as she made her way through the empty streets. The stillness felt heavy, as though the buildings themselves were holding their breath, every sound magnified in the eerie quiet. Above her, the faint glow of the moon cast long shadows that danced across the cobblestone paths.
The museum stood dark, its windows reflecting the faint light of the streetlamps. Ellie’s gaze lifted to the apartment above, where a single light burned faintly. Heather was home. With a deep breath, Ellie approached the door and knocked twice, the sound echoing in the stillness. Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing Heather’s sharp features and piercing gaze.
Heather greeted Ellie with a formal wolf’s bow, tilt
