In a silent part of the Black Zone, snow fell gently from the pale sky.
The flakes drifted between the branches of the Silver Birches before settling across their thin trunks and the few leaves that still remained attached to them. Most of the leaves had already disappeared beneath the snow, leaving the trees looking almost bare.
Farther ahead, more trees stretched across the white landscape, their shapes becoming less clear with distance. Behind them stood the dark outlines of mountains, partially covered by snow and fading into the cold mist.
There was no sign of the Academy.
No buildings.
No paved roads.
No sound of Steam-Carriages.
Only the quiet movement of nature remained.
The sound of flowing water came from somewhere deeper within the forest, its movement faint but steady beneath the cold air. Birds chirped occasionally from the branches, their voices carrying farther than they probably should have in such a quiet place.
For a few moments, everything seemed peaceful.
