Cooperation

The light was bright.

Across the vast wilderness, a breeze swept up wisps of snow. Crumbling stone buildings stood scattered across the white expanse, and gallows hung with dry bones creaked in the wind.

Xia Lun and Renee hurried across the wilderness. After hours of flight, they were far from Dusk Snow Prison. The enormous ball of light above it now looked no bigger than a duck egg.

Those hours had also convinced Xia Lun that he and Renee had shaken off the Black Duke's pursuit.

For the moment, they were safe.

His boots crunched through the snow. The tension in Xia Lun's mind eased, and the oppressive atmosphere lifted like clouds scattered by the wind. Even the desolate town ruins seemed to hold the promise of renewal.

Warm light shone over the land, lending a hint of life to the snow-covered wasteland.

"Mm-hmm!" Renee suddenly pointed left.

Xia Lun instinctively summoned the Revolver and gripped it tight before following her gaze.

A brook ran along their left. A few shrubs and several trees newly restored to life grew beside its stony bank.

A low breeze stirred the fresh buds, carrying the clean scent of plants through the cold air. Clusters of bright red berries stood out against the stream and snow.

"Mm?" Renee looked up at Xia Lun, a hopeful glint in her eyes.

Even without Text Sense, he could tell she wanted to pick the berries.

He weighed the benefit of adding to their food supplies against the risk of poisoning, then nodded.

"Go ahead."

Rustle! The shrub shook.

Renee tucked her hand inside her cloak and used her arm to part the thorns. Turning sideways, she held the prickly branches back with her body, then reached out, gently pinched a plump berry between her fingers, and twisted.