Chapter 14

Several months earlier, when the train slowly pulled into the station, Valentina stared out at the snow-covered mountains. She felt a mixture of awe and disbelief, like none of this was really happening. The northern winds were every bit as brutal as she'd heard. The moment she stepped off the train, a gust of freezing air hit her and made her shiver involuntarily. A few locals bundled in thick coats hurried across the platform, their breath forming white clouds in the frigid air. She grabbed her luggage and stepped down from the train. The bone-deep cold cut straight through her coat, making it hard to even walk. The Forest Service reception office wasn't far. It was a low brick building with white smoke curling from its chimney. When Valentina pushed open the door, blessed warmth enveloped her. The man who greeted her was in his 50s with cheeks reddened by the bitter wind. He immediately rushed over with a welcoming smile. "Ms. Frost! We've been waiting for you!" He took her ba