Chapter 46

Aria's POV

Winter arrived hard and fast.

The first snow fell two weeks after the school opened. Within days, the entire territory was covered in white. The cold bit through even the thickest furs.

"We need to check the outer cabins," Drogo announced at morning council. "Make sure everyone has enough firewood and supplies to last through the worst of it."

Derek volunteered to organize the supply runs. "I'll take teams out to each settlement. Make sure nobody's stuck without heat or food."

I went with the first group. We loaded wagons with extra firewood, preserved food, blankets, and medicine. Then we headed to the furthest cabins where...