Chapter 170

New Year's Eve. The snow had just stopped and the sky cleared. Snow blanketed the mountains and pine branches along the highway, all white as far as the eye could see. The river had mostly frozen over for winter-only where the sun hit did the water stay liquid, glimmering in gold as it lapped gently at the banks. A black van sped toward the Vectis River area. Inside the van, Elaria stared out the window, her nose red from the cold. It was around noon. The sun was blinding, and the black van slowly pulled up near a lakeside resort. In the off-season, the place looked deserted. Only one wooden cabin had smoke coming out of the chimney-someone was clearly inside, warming up by the fireplace. Elaria told the driver to head that way and stop at the cabin's front door. As soon as the car halted, she reached for the door handle. Her fingers trembled badly from the cold; the muscles were stiff and aching. She got out, almost stumbling, and practically rushed to push the wooden door open. Insid