The storm rolled in fast, howling winds and thick bands of snow that smothered the treetops and erased the sky. By afternoon, the ranger cabin was buried up to its windows, crystalline layers packing against the weathered logs. The only light came from the fire Regan had coaxed back to life with scavenged wood and old newspapers—their yellowed edges curling in the heat, headlines from three years ago disappearing in orange flame.
The cabin creaked against the battering wind. Outside, the world was a loud, black and white sky. Inside, a warm amber light made it feel like a gentle hideaway in endless wilderness. Lila sat comfortably on the floor, her shoulders wrapped in a ragged blanket. Steam curled up from the chipped mug she held tightly. The tea was not strong but hot, and that was eno
