Nate found himself deep inside the cave, where the icy portal loomed before him. The oppressive darkness around him seemed alive, but it was nothing compared to the chilling scene unfolding through the shimmering, snow-filled world on the other side.
Inside the portal, the land stretched out in a desolate expanse of ice and snow. In the center of it all, Madison knelt on the frostbitten ground, her body trembling with weakness. Blood dripped from her lips, staining the pure white snow beneath her. Her hands, scratched and bloodied, tried desperately to hold her up, but it was clear she was fading.
Behind her stood the ice being. Its translucent, crystalline form reflected the dim light from the distant horizon, giving it an ethereal glow. In its clawed hand was a jagged ice dagger, glistening with Madison's blood. It raised the weapon high, preparing to strike again.
"No! Madison!" Nate's voice tore through the icy silence.