Hidden Ability

The temperature inside the base had plummeted over the past two days, turning every breath into a visible mist. The solar panels had been struggling to absorb enough sunlight, leaving the heating system barely functional. 

The chill seeped into the walls, the floors, and into the bones of everyone inside.

"Richard's probably regretting bringing you all here," Medeia muttered as she helped Seraphina distribute extra blankets to the people huddled together in the main hall.

At least she, Lucian, and Sierra had a mammoth-fur blanket to keep them warm at night. The thick, heavy material trapped enough heat to make the biting cold somewhat bearable, though Sierra still trembled occasionally in her sleep.

"The Junk Garden must be in worse shape than we are," Seraphina sighed, wrapping her arms around herself.