The Road Ahead

The frigid air nipped at their skin as their eyes opened to a breathtaking, icy expanse that stretched far and wide before them.

Large chunks of ice, varying in size and shape, drifted lazily on the surface of the calm, blue water.

Some pieces were flat and smooth, while others were jagged, like shards of broken glass glistening under the pale sun.

Raven frowned slightly and couldn't help but shiver. She looked around in pallid horror.

As her eyes followed the path of the floating ice, she was drawn to the midground where the water continued to extend, dotted with additional ice floes.

This frozen labyrinth led toward the imposing silhouettes of distant mountains that rose sharply on either side, creating a natural frame for the stunning vista.

These snow-covered peaks stood tall and proud, their angular formations partially bathed in the soft, grey light of the sun.