The snowmobile purred softly in the garage as Daniel checked its fuel levels one last time. Every bolt, every lever, every mechanical inch of the machine was inspected with a precision born of experience. Claire stood nearby, arms crossed, her sharp gaze flitting between Daniel and Tessa. Her breath misted in the frigid air, matching the icy tension in the room.
Bundled in thick, puffy winter gear, Daniel finally nodded. "We're ready."
Tessa lingered by the doorway, her bulky coat making her appear smaller than she was. Her nervousness was palpable, her eyes darting between the snowmobile and the imposing figure of Claire. The tension was almost suffocating.
"Get on," Claire barked, motioning sharply to the back seat. Her voice was a whip crack in the frozen air, her possessiveness bleeding through as she moved to take her place behind Daniel.
