11 Days Remaining
Alex's eyes snapped open as the pale morning light crept across his face. His purple eyes, shadowed by heavy dark circles, stared blankly at the icy ceiling for a moment.
He turned his head to the side and there it was: Selene's sleeping bag, her hand still nestled in his.
A weary smile stretched across his tired face.
Slowly, he pulled himself up and walked toward Hati, who was curled up in the corner, wrapped snugly in his own sleeping bag. Alex sat down beside him, leaning against the cold stone wall. His fingers gently moved through Hati's soft fur, seeking calm in the silence.
He stared through the glittering ice spikes that framed the cave entrance, their edges catching the light like jagged crystals. Lost in thought, he drifted until a soft tug on his shoulder pulled him back.
Turning to his left, he found Selene standing close, her pale blue eyes watching him quietly.
He gave her a stiff smile and nodded.
