Jean’s breath frosted in the frigid air as he trudged up the steep incline, his feet sinking into the deceptively soft snow. His legs burned with every step, but he pressed on, determined. The weight of his pack tugged on his shoulders, but its contents—a mix of survival gear and personal mementos—were too important to leave behind. Ahead of him, his companions, Chance, Zane, and Rowan, were scattered along the trail, each battling the mountain in their own way.
“Hey, Jean,” ...