Night fell fast in the mountains.
The pale midday sun faded into bruised shades of violet as thick clouds rolled back in, swallowing what little warmth had touched the snow. The wind picked up in low, restless gusts—warning the forest that the storm wasn’t done.
Holly didn’t need Rowan to tell her the temperature had dropped again. The cabin walls creaked. Frost etched delicate patterns along the window glass. Even the fire in the stove snapped harsher than before.
She pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders as she watched Rowan pace the edge of the living room like a caged storm.
His movements were sharper now. Controlled, but barely.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Holly finally asked, voice small in the dim light.
Rowan stopped mid-step, shoulders rising and falling with a bre
