"No, I have to leave," Kaden said quietly, turning away from the group.
They stared at him, stunned. After finally finding a safe haven—after ice and suspicion and guards with spears—he was ready to walk away? This was the whole point of the journey they had embarked on, to find a shelter. A safe Haven. They had found one, so why was Kaden rejecting the offer.
"Why?" Astrid asked, stepping closer.
"I have something I need to do." His tone was gruff, unreadable.
"What kind of thing?" Kaelyn pressed, confused.
Kaden didn't answer. He looked down, jaw clenched.
"Then I'm coming with you. I'm worried about someone too," Kaelyn said.
"If you're going, I'm going," Astrid added, standing beside her.
"I want to give you my support," Sierra chimed in, voice small but firm.
"I'm in," said Audric, his gaze already tracking Kaden's movement.
"Ughhh, I guess this is the part where we have an emotional moment," Xavier groaned, rolling his eyes dramatically. "Fine. I'll tag along. Can't exactly pull off pranks here anyway. Too many swords and zero sense of humor."
"Obviously. Unless you want your head cut off in the process," Audric muttered.
A nearby warrior, overhearing the exchange, stepped forward with a trace of amusement in his voice. "So...you're leaving? After we told you about what was happening in the kingdom? You won't be able to survive."
"We know about the precautions," Kaelyn said sincerely. "But we can't stay. We still have a journey ahead of us."
The warrior studied them, nodded, and motioned to a small transport crew. "Very well. We'll escort you to the capital. You'll spend the night there before moving on."
---
THE CAPITAL OF GLACIER
The glacial capital was breathtaking a city carved from ice and stone, glowing with soft mana-light from embedded crystals. Glassy towers shimmered like mirrors under the twilight, and silent courtyards stretched across bridges suspended over frozen rivers.
People moved in clean, coordinated lines. No one shouted. No one ran. Even the vendors spoke in hushed tones, offering warm drinks and steaming pastries from carts that looked like sculptures.
"The women here are beautiful. Especially the one that just passed," Xav whispered, nudging Kaden. A moment later, he felt the burning weight of a glare.
He turned and saw a tall, armored warrior staring him down from under his helm.
"What? I was just complimenting her!" Xav shrugged, trying to act casual.
The man said nothing. Just kept walking.
"I'm Vincent," the warrior finally said after a few paces, not looking back.
---
They were led into a crystal-paneled inn with velvet cushions and low tables arranged around a glowing hearth.
"This is where you'll spend the night. You may explore the courtyard or rest here in the lobby," Vincent said.
As the group dropped their gear and settled into the plush chairs, the unexpected happened,the warriors removed their helmets.
Gasps echoed among the group. Beneath the faceless visors were people who looked older. Men and Women, all of them had eyes that told a story. A story about their endless devotion and sacrifice towards their house.
Then she walked in.
A woman with long black hair and sharp green eyes. She ran past the group and straight into Vincent's arms.
"Vincent! I saw you earlier,I've missed you!" she said, breathless.
The group turned in unison.
"Must be his sister," Xav whispered to Kaden.
Vincent smiled softly and cupped her face.
"I missed you too, my love." And he kissed her,passionately.
There was a full beat of silence.
"Well, for siblings, they seem to really like each other," Kaden deadpanned.
Xav scowled. "Oh, come on!"
Vincent turned toward the group with a smirk. "Everyone, this is my wife, Alicia."
"Wife!? Not even girlfriend?!" Xav spluttered. "Woah,I thought I had a chance!"
Kaelyn groaned. "Please stop talking."
"Do your people allow separation? Divorce? Anything?" Xav added, completely serious.
The rest of the group erupted with groans, eye-rolls, and a few smacks to the back of his head.
Vincent raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.
"Alright, thank you for hosting us," Astrid said quickly, eager to prevent Xav from digging a deeper hole.
Vincent only chuckled and wrapped an arm around Alicia. "Sleep well, travelers. The stormy roads ahead won't be so kind."
And with that, he led Alicia up the stairs, leaving the group in the quiet, fire-lit lobby warmer in some ways than any place they'd yet known.
That night, for the first time in what felt like forever, the group laughed.
The inn had prepared a small celebration in their honor a gesture from the warriors who, despite their cold armor and strict rules, had grown curious about these bold travelers from different houses. The lobby was transformed. Crystal chandeliers shimmered overhead, casting soft blue light. Tables were laid with steaming trays of roasted snowfish, honeyed root pies, and mugs of creamy frost-milk topped with spiced foam.
Kaelyn twirled around in the middle of the room, her pink hair catching the light. "I feel like I'm in a snow globe," she said, arms outstretched.
Xav narrowed his eyes at her. Kaelyn grew conscious of herself and stopped.
Sierra, wrapped in a fluffy white shawl, sat by the hearth, braiding strands of icy blue into Astrid's hair as they whispered and giggled. It was the first time Sierra didn't look like she was expecting danger around every corner.
Audric stood at the edge, quietly sipping from a mug and watching them all, his usual guarded expression softening as the fire's glow lit his face.
Xav, ever the jester, had "borrowed" a guard's cloak and was clumsily imitating Vincent.
"I am Vincent of Glacier, guardian of gates, destroyer of dreams, and defender of dangerously attractive women!"
The group burst into laughter, even Kaden cracked a smile, though he tried to hide it behind his cup.
Vincent, who had returned to check on them, leaned in the doorway, amused. "Keep that up, boy, and I'll challenge you to an honor duel at dawn."
"Only if I get to duel for Alicia's heart," Xav said with a wink.
"You duel for that, you lose more than just the match."
Everyone roared again.
Later in the evening, they moved outside to the glowing snow courtyard behind the inn. With music playing from enchanted crystals and the air sharp but not biting, the warriors joined them in a friendly snowball match, Glacian rules.
Sierra surprised them all with her deadly aim, striking Xav squarely in the forehead with a packed snowball. He collapsed dramatically.
"Tell my story…" he moaned, "and avenge my death."
Kaden, who had been quiet most of the night, finally joined, lunging forward with a sharp, graceful dive, scooping a perfect snowball and catching Audric in the ribs. It turned into an all-out battle, boys against girls, warriors laughing with youthful energy.
Eventually, breathless and soaked, the group collapsed into a pile of blankets inside, cheeks flushed and hearts warm. The warriors brought out delicate sweets—crystal candy filled with syrup—and soft lullabies hummed through the enchanted walls.
That night, they each felt something shift. Not in the world outside, but within. Walls were lowered. Trust deepened. The harsh road behind them finally seemed... worth it.
The snow fell silently outside, and inside the inn of House Glacier while the group slept peacefully.