He shifted the strap of his pack again. It had rubbed his shoulder raw beneath the layers. The cold dulled the sting, but not the awareness.
The next ridge came into view. Just a shadow at first. Then clearer. A split in the mountain wall, narrow and sharp like a claw had carved it.
Lira turned her head. Her voice didn't carry far.
She picked up her pace slightly. Not enough to call it speed. Just purpose.
He could see it now. A shallow overhang. The cliff face curved in like someone had punched the mountain and left a dent. Not deep. But enough.
Enough to stop the wind.
That was all that mattered.
Lira stepped into the hollow first. Her body disappeared from the snow haze, then reappeared, smaller. Sheltered.
Ren reached it next. She dropped her pack, slid down onto the rock floor, and exhaled like she'd been holding her breath for the last two hours.