The snow was relentless, a swirling mass of white that layered the already thick blanket of ice covering the ground. Kit stood just ahead of them, his gloved hands brushing clumps of it away with the same stubborn energy he always carried. The air was frigid, biting at their cheeks as Zara crouched beside him.
"What is it?" Zara asked, her voice a low murmur.
"I think it's… here," Kit said, excitement bubbling under his breathless words. His hand froze mid-motion as he glanced back at Mia, who stood a few paces behind, her arms tightly folded around herself. "I saw something metal."
Zara exchanged a glance with Mia, noting the girl's furrowed brow and clenched jaw. Her guilt was etched into every feature. Zara refocused, brushing more snow aside until her fingers scraped something rough and cold—a grate, just as Kit had said.
