The mountain loomed ahead, shrouded in mist, its jagged peaks a foreboding silhouette against the gray sky. The closer they got, the more terrifying the landscape became. Swan’s voice suddenly cut through the tension, a piercing scream that made both Emric and Jayden jump.

“Stop!” she yelled, her lungs straining with urgency.

Emric slammed the brakes, the jeep screeching as it skidded across the frosted ground. The tires spun helplessly, the momentum dragging them closer to ...