The early morning sun cast a cold light over the frozen garden, its rays glinting off the ice-covered branches and casting long, eerie shadows. Jasper stood by the window, gazing out at the frosted landscape. His mind was a whirl of thoughts, and he barely noticed the cold seeping through the glass.
Slade, his faithful owl, swooped down from the trees, something small and dark clutched in his talons. Jasper watched with mild curiosity as the owl landed on the stone ledge outside the window, dropping the object at his feet. Slade hooted softly, his eyes gleaming with an almost knowing look.
Jasper stepped outside, the chill in the air biting into his skin. He picked up the small, weathered pouch, feeling a strange sense of foreboding. As he opened it, his heart sank. Inside were a few coins, a map, and a letter with Nicole's handwriting. The date on the letter was several months old.
With steady hands, he unfolded the letter and began to read:
