The cabin creaks and groans in the wind.
“Is everyone alright?” Orion asks, though he grabs my arms as if he’s only talking to me.
“I’m fine, just tired,” I say.
He nods after searching my face, but still looks me over before assessing his packmates. Thankfully, they’re okay too.
“I didn’t look beyond the entryway. The cabin seems to be in good shape, but be careful where you walk,” Orion says, our lights reflecting off wooden walls and floors. “Henri and Cato, find somewhere safe for Hestia to rest.We’ll search for supplies, and you can join us when you’re ready.”
We detach from the rope, half of them splitting off into different rooms or down the hallway while I follow Henri and Cato.
The air is stale and still, which is good news since it indicates the cabin is airtight.
They lead me further in until we find a giant living room with an enormous fireplace. Once again, they basically carry me over to the couch and set me down on it.
I flop back and close my eyes, holding my breath until the plumes of dust settle.
They take my gear off and set my backpack aside.
I manage to slit my eyes open as they tuck blankets around me.
When they’re done turning me into a burrito, they investigate the fireplace. Cato opens the flue and shines his light up the chimney, determining it looks clear enough to risk using.
There’s wood already stacked in the grate and more in a rack on the side.
It’s kind of eerie, this place looks like the owner could return at any time except for the layers of dust on everything.
I ignore the statistics floating in my head about house fires that started from an improperly maintained chimney as Henri strikes a match.
The wood catches quickly, and I close my eyes as the heat washes over me.
Cato and Henri pick up the couch and move me closer to the fireplace.
“We’re going to look around now, will you be okay here on your own? One of us can stay with you,” Henri says.
“I’ll be fine. You guys can go,” I say.
“Are you sure? Will you be able to keep an eye on the fire?” he asks, sounding concerned.
Cato sinks onto the couch next to me.
I sit up straight. Henri’s right, I need to watch it.
I’m feeling better already between getting off my feet and defrosting, so I wave them off again. “I’ve got it, don’t worry.”
I’m surprised Cato listens, but they stroke my hair and leave to check out the place.
The fire crackles merrily like it has no idea there’s a blizzard raging outside. Which I suppose it doesn’t.
Just having solid walls between me and the wind is a gift. The howling was difficult to withstand mentally, on top of the cold.
I listen to the fire and the creaking of my teammates moving around.
Magnus returns first, bringing more firewood. He stacks it next to the fireplace and kneels in front of me.
“How are you feeling?” he asks.
“I’m good,” I say, or try to, but it’s like there’s cotton in my mouth, and it comes out sounding like “I’mmmmgoogh.”
