Chapter 99 Chapter 98: Winter

Chapter 99 Chapter 98: Winter
I couldn't shake the feeling that someone—or something—was watching us. A quick look over my shoulder showed the cottage, faintly lit from the inside. A shadow moved behind the curtain, the reflection of a woman—her face hidden but her intent clearly visible. It was as if she were daring us to move forward, testing our resolve with a teasing smile that lingered at the edge of my thoughts. I felt a flutter in my stomach, a mix of curiosity and unease, pushing me to step closer.
"A footbridge made of trees might be our best bet," Declan eventually suggested, drawing attention back to the task at hand. I could see the tension lines on Aaron's face, the way he pinched his lips as if cutting off the swell of doubt. A footbridge, sure—but would that be enough against the merciless current swirling beneath us?
As the group started rummaging through their packs for supplies, ideas bouncing around like snowflakes in a snowstorm, I felt an inexplicable pull toward the river. My heart hammered as I moved closer to the water's edge, kneeling to listen intently to its roar. There was something more than just raw power in this river—something haunting. I closed my eyes, shutting out the frantic rustle of my friends, and focused on the whispers carried by the wind. They felt like the last laments of those who had dared to face the river before us, souls caught in the icy grip of despair.
But amid the echoing sorrow, a flicker of recognition sparked within me. The water was a part of me, an extension of the very element I had learned to control through trials. I needed to harness that connection, to carve a path where it seemed impossible. You know how to pass, she said. Clearly, she was speaking to me. Gently, I placed my hand on the river's surface, feeling the current pulse beneath my fingertips, alive and full of potential.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself against the weight of the moment, and closed my eyes once more. Tendrils of power surged through me, pooling in my palm until I felt it spill forth like a stream of light—a delicate glow that danced along the surface of the water. It spread outward, glimmering against the shadows of the dark waters, solidifying the ice beneath into a glassy, frozen path. 
With each pulse of my power, I watched the river respond, its surface transforming into an impenetrable barrier that stretched across to the other side. A narrow but steady bridge formed before me, shining defiantly in the moonlight, a testament to both my will and the river's grudging submission.
"Guys," I called back to the group, my heart pounding with excitement and nerves. "Do you want to go, or should I handle this myself?" The tension in the air was electric, and as I stood in the middle of my creation, I felt both powerful and silly.
Their eyes widened in shock, disbelief filling the air, a moment frozen in time. But it only took a second for the spell of hesitation to break as Aaron took a step forward, shoulders squared. "We trust you, Winter," he said, his voice warm yet firm, and one by one they began to step onto the icy footbridge.
Every footstep felt like a heartbeat, adding to the pulse of the night, the thrilling rush of belief fueling me. The once-chaotic whispers quieted, replaced by the steady thrum of their progress. I watched as they crossed, Aaron's large frame looming protectively over everyone, who moved with calculated grace. Each step they took echoed the rhythm of my own pounding heart, as if we were all intertwined—a tapestry woven from fear, courage, and an unbreakable bond.
Together, we reached the opposite shore, shaking off the undertones of disbelief and stepping into the deep snow. The cottage loomed ahead, and the door swung open as if inviting us in. The woman stood there, a strange, knowing smile on her face, as if she had orchestrated our journey, carefully guiding each choice we made.
"What took you so long? The tea is almost ready," she asked, her voice tinged with amusement and something deeper—something that sent a ripple of unease through me. 
The moment we stepped through the door, it was as if we had entered an alternate realm. Inside, the space was vast, much larger than I expected for a cottage, featuring high ceilings and a welcoming warmth that drew us further in. The walls, made of polished wood with intricate carvings, shimmered beneath the flickering candlelight. It felt less like a shelter and more like a sanctuary—an odd contrast to the chilling wilderness outside.
As I took in the sight, my initial unease started to fade, just a little. The big living room was decorated with vibrant tapestries showing scenes of nature and mythical creatures, while a rustic kitchen off to one side filled the air with a rich scent of spices. A narrow hall led further in, hinting at private chambers we didn't have time to explore. We had questions that pushed at our throats, urgent and raw, and I was determined to voice them.
That was when Thea appeared with the tea. She looked to be in her mid-forties, radiating strength and wisdom that felt tangible in the air around her. Her hands moved gracefully, telling untold stories, with layers of henna swirling across her skin like living art. It was as if she had just come from some exotic ritual or trance. I couldn't help but compare her presence to Elder Eloise and those ridiculous multicolored hairs while she was lost in the trance during another spiritual session. The thought made me chuckle, but as I looked at Thea, she smiled knowingly and poured steaming cups of fragrant tea.
"Those are quite the sessions, indeed," she teased lightly, her eyes twinkling. "Eloise has a knack for stumbling upon me in the spirit world."
I widened my eyes. Had she just read my mind? The woman's gaze met mine, shifting from playful to serious, as she urged us to put aside our thoughts; we had more urgent matters to attend to. 
Declan had claimed a spot by the window, his eyes scanning the landscape beyond, every inch of his body radiating tension. The rest of the group settled near the roaring fireplace, warmth wrapping around us like a comforting blanket as we sipped our tea. I moved next to Aaron on the small couch, the simple comfort of his presence calming my nerves. Thea sat in a rocking chair, her gaze laser-focused on me as if she could see right through my bravado. I shifted under her watchful eye, realizing she probably knew why we were all here, and I was eager to break the silence with our burning questions.