Chapter 46 The Clearing

• Bertha's POV
• The snow returns with quiet determination, layering the ground softly as evening settles over the forest. A cool breeze dances across the clearing, carrying the sound of laughter with it. Members of our pack are scattered about, enjoying what little respite we had. The snowball fights erupts near the tree line, Cara shrieking as Reggie hurls an accurately formed snowball in her direction. Rose watches in happy silence, smiling as the chilly air mists with every exhaled breath.
• I keep to the side of everyone else, leaning against the rail of our principal cabin's porch and waiting for Agnes's arrival. She had asked for a private talk, which seldom happens with a witch as introverted as her. Anxiety gnaws at the core of my heart. Agnes isn't into casual talk, so if she asks to speak, it will be about something super important.