The sky outside faded from lavender to deep indigo, stars beginning to puncture the darkness overhead. Inside the chalet, golden light pooled across the rustic wooden kitchen like melted butter. The space was quiet except for the soft clatter of cabinet doors and the subtle rhythm of jazz music curling from a speaker perched near the window.

Sophie stood in front of the open refrigerator, arms folded, head tilted. "There's way too much food for just three days."

Alexander leaned against the counter, sleeves rolled up past his elbows, a towel slung over his shoulder. “Camellia stocked it like we were prepping for winter.”

She pulled out a head of...