WINTER

Myra met Dylan's gaze, her expression resolute even as uncertainty lingered in the air. "I'm going to stay here and help as many people as I can. When I'm done, I need you to take me far away from here."

Dylan's eyes darkened with worry, and he stepped closer. "You don't have to do anything for anyone. You could leave right now, no questions asked."

"This is what I want to do," she replied, her voice low but unwavering. The storm inside her mirrored the one raging outside, but she wouldn't let it show.

Dylan's features softened, a conflicted mix of fear and acceptance. "Okay. Whatever you want."

Before she could brace herself, he reached out and gently touched her arm, as if afraid she'd disappear at his touch. Without warning, he drew her into a tight embrace. Myra felt the warmth of his body and the weight of his words pressing into her, and for a moment, she let herself stay there, against him.