The morning brought a weak sun and deliberate stillness, as if the forest held its breath. The storm had passed, leaving a pristine white landscape that glittered under pale light through scattered clouds. The beauty hid dangers beneath.
Regan checked the perimeter three times before letting Lila near the window, his movements methodical, his expression controlled. Each circuit revealed the same pattern—snow had buried much of the trail, but half-filled depressions marred the blanket of white, suggesting something or someone had approached the cabin before retreating as the storm erased evidence.
"Someone was definitely here," Regan said, breath fogging as he stamped snow from his boots. "The pattern's too deliberate for wildlife. Measured stride. Tactical approach."
Lila nodded, pullin
