Chapter 33: A World of Frost and Heat
The base gates groaned shut with a metallic screech, the sound swallowed by the biting cold of the early morning air. Snow clung to every surface, muffling the world in a heavy silence, broken only by the crunch of boots on frost-covered ground.
Winter trudged in with his team, rifle slung over his shoulder, his face streaked with dirt and exhaustion. His breath fogged in the icy air as he cast a brief glance back at Nadine, whose stormy expression was as obvious as the red flush of her cheeks from the cold—or perhaps frustration.
"You’re unbelievable!" she snapped, shoving past one of the others in her attempt to storm ahead, nearly slipping on an icy patch in the process. She caught herself just in time, straightened, and shot a glare at anyone who dared look amused.
The team trailed behind her, the mood a strange mix of tension and silent amusement. With his scarred face and ever-present smirk, Felix walked at the rear, his sharp eyes taking in the scene with lazy interest. Beside him, a younger recruit whispered something under his breath that earned a low chuckle from the veteran.
Nadine stopped abruptly, turning on her heel to yell at someone near the gate. "And you, don’t think I didn’t notice you slacking back there! If it weren’t for me—"
Felix rubbed a hand over his face, his scar catching the light. "Not now, Nadine," he said with a tone that was more weary than scolding.
Nadine didn’t relent, her eyes darting toward Winter. "I guess some people think they’re too good to listen," she hissed, loud enough for him to hear, though her words lacked the direct confrontation she likely wanted.
He didn’t say a word, but the subtle lift of his brow was enough to make Nadine huff and spin away, muttering curses under her breath.
What was the use of arguing with her when he carried the whole team on his back the entire mission?
Winter ignored her words entirely, his jaw tightening as he scanned the courtyard. Then he saw Zara.
She stood near the edge of the group, bundled in her usual oversized coat. One hand gripped its hem nervously while the other tightened around the bulge instinctively, pressing Leo’s sleeping form closer to her chest. When her eyes locked on him, they widened in relief before she took a few hesitant steps forward.