Chapter 10: The Road to Answers

The snow-covered path stretched endlessly before them, winding through the dense forest like a trail leading into another world. The morning sun cut through the canopy, casting fleeting patches of golden light on the frozen ground. Ice clung to the evergreens, shimmering as occasional gusts sent loose flakes spiraling through the air. It was beautiful in an unforgiving way—like something out of a story Theo only half remembered.

The world was hushed, the usual chatter of birds and rustling of small animals absent. The deeper they traveled, the more Theo noticed the stillness. It was as if the storm had stolen all sound, leaving only their footsteps crunching against the packed snow.

His legs ached. The cold had settled deep into his bones, making every step feel heavier. He wouldn't say anything, not when both Lily and Gregory seemed entirely focused on getting to the church, but he didn't have to.

Gregory glanced back and, in a single motion, crouched slightly. "Alright, that's enough struggling. Up you go."

Theo barely had time to protest before Gregory hoisted him onto his back with practiced ease. The motion was effortless, and though Theo tensed at first, the warmth radiating through Gregory's coat was a welcome relief against the biting cold.

"There. Now you get to be the mighty king surveying his kingdom," Gregory said with a grin.

Theo huffed, adjusting his grip. "I don't think kings have to worry about falling into the snow."

Gregory smirked. "Depends on the king. You? You're barely hanging on."

Lily shook her head but didn't argue. "Just don't drop him," she warned.

Gregory scoffed. "Please. I carried heavier barrels than him back in my youth. And those didn't squirm."

Theo, despite himself, found comfort in the motion. The rhythmic bounce of Gregory's steps, the warmth cutting through the layers of cold, the familiarity of their banter—it was grounding in a way he hadn't expected.

As they moved through the trees, the landscape began to shift. The dense forest thinned, revealing weathered stone markers buried beneath the snow. Gravestones. Some were old, their inscriptions worn smooth by time, while others were fresher, marked by wooden crosses and wreaths of evergreen, the only color against the stark white.

"The cemetery starts before the church," Lily murmured. "It always felt like a reminder."

Gregory snorted. "A reminder of what? That this place is the last stop for a lot of people?"

She shot him a sharp look. "That death is always close, and faith is meant to guide us through it."

For once, Gregory didn't argue.

The path led them deeper into the graveyard. Small stone statues stood among the graves—angels covered in frost, hands folded in silent prayer. A few crows perched on the headstones, black feathers ruffled against the cold, their dark eyes watching the travelers with eerie stillness.

Then, beyond the final line of trees, the church came into view.

It stood atop a small hill, its stone walls aged but strong, its towering spire piercing the sky like a frozen sentinel. The stained-glass windows, dulled by frost, caught the weak sunlight, casting faint patches of color onto the snow. Smoke curled from the rectory's chimney, a sign of warmth waiting inside.

The bell tolled once, deep and solemn, its sound carrying over the silent landscape.

Gregory shifted Theo's weight slightly. "Hope they have a fire going in there. Feels like I'm hauling around a sack of ice."

"You offered," Theo reminded him.

"Yeah, well, next time, I'm throwing you on a sled."

Lily smirked. "You'd crash it in five seconds."

"Maybe, but at least it'd be faster than walking through this frozen graveyard."

Theo barely heard them. His gaze was locked on the heavy wooden doors ahead.

Something about this place felt heavier than the snow in the air. A place of salvation, of answers—but also of judgment. Whatever lay inside, he had the strange, unshakable feeling that it would change everything.

Gregory carried him up the final steps.

Theo took a breath.

And they stepped inside.