Chapter 15

The mountain terrain was steep and treacherous. Snow made the muddy ground slippery and nearly impossible to navigate safely. The snow came up past their ankles, and every step required struggling to pull their feet free. Even in heavy winter boots, Valentina's toes ached from the cold. Chris walked ahead of her, pausing now and then to wait, but always maintaining just the right distance. He was close enough to catch her if she slipped, but far enough away that she didn't feel uncomfortable. "Chris, how much farther?" Valentina asked breathlessly when they reached a ridge halfway up the mountain. Chris turned back to her, his voice muffled but surprisingly clear beneath the scarf. "About another half hour. You holding up okay?" It was the first time he'd spoken. His voice was deep and rich, and it was unexpectedly pleasant to listen to. Valentina nodded and was about to keep walking when she heard rustling in the nearby brush. Chris immediately stopped and pulled her behind him.