Just as Lucian had predicted—no, far worse—the environmental conditions changed drastically the moment night fell. The desert transformed. A frigid wind whipped around, and soon snow began to fall, blanketing the sand. At first, the shift in temperature was welcome. But they soon donned their heavy coats, the brief respite from the heat now a distant memory.

  "Is the trial messing with us?' Lucian wondered aloud, staring at the falling snow. It only got worse; a shroud of freezing winds and snowflakes filled the air, slashing visibility.

  "We can't keep going like this.' The braided beauty watched her breath plume in the cold air, shoulders sagging from exhaustion. "We need to find shelter, or at least a way to stay warm." They had been walking all day and hadn't rested aside from the few minutes they had spoken earlier. They were well overdue for much-needed rest.

  The big one tested the wind, holding up a hand as snow swirled around his fingers. "I know. We need shelter—fast. A storm's coming... and I'd hate to get caught in it."

  He paused before adding, "We also need to consider the possibility of resting in the storm."

  At that, the braided beauty shrugged off her heavy coat, revealing another underneath. Both Lucian and the big one were surprised; they hadn't noticed at all.

  "Here," she said, offering the coat to the big one. "This should help you keep warm—just in case."

  The big one looked puzzled. "What about you two?" he asked, glancing at Lucian, then back at her. Lucian perked up, curious about her plan. But her next words nearly made him stumble.

  "Well…" She tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes despite the fatigue. "We could always huddle for warmth—body heat and all." She gave Lucian a sidelong glance, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. "That is only, of course, if we can't find shelter."

  Lucian stared, dumbfounded. His eyes twitched. He rolled them, a faint blush warming his cheeks despite the chill. "That so?' he muttered, turning away to climb a sandy slope. "Then, shouldn't we try harder and find shelter?"

  Stamping her feet to increase blood flow, she said lightly, "Just a suggestion," though her eyes betrayed her exhaustion.

  She's gotta be taunting me... But we'd better find something soon, or it won't be a joke,' Lucian thought, a chill racing up his spine as he hurried.

  Watching him, her smirk bloomed fully. A small sigh escaped her lips as she adjusted her coat collar against the biting wind.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  'Well, that was worth a shot.'

  She turned to the big one, her playful expression softening. He seemed skeptical.

  "I still feel we should find some place that could, even if just somewhat, shield us. It'll be far better than sleeping body against body," he reasoned.

  She nodded. "I agree—but where?" she asked, gesturing around them.

  Snow swallowed the sand quickly. There was nothing... except the ominous, elusive black gate in the distance. The big one had nothing to say as he considered that they might have to sleep in the middle of a snowstorm. That was until Lucian spoke up.

  "That might not be the case," Lucian called from the slope, doubt edging his voice.

  The big one's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?" he asked, curiosity clear.

  "There's a rocky area—way over there," Lucian replied, pointing into the swirling snow.

  The big one's eyes lit up while the braided beauty raised a brow. He was about to suggest heading over when Lucian continued.

  "But it deviates a lot from the gate's path. And honestly, it's fishy. We haven't seen a single part of the desert with rocks, but the moment we need a cave, it conveniently appears? Isn't that strange?"

  The braided beauty agreed eagerly. "Yes, it's very convenient. Very sketchy."

  But the big one was unconvinced. "According to my knowledge on trials, they aren't usually unreasonable. And this one has been anything but that. Who knows, this is probably the lifeline given to us by the trial—and even if it is a trap, it wouldn't hurt to check it out."

  Lucian remained skeptical, but seeing the braided beauty's tired expression, his gaze softened. He nodded quickly.

  "We should move now before the storm hits," he advised.

  The big one nodded. "Agreed. Let's go."

  The braided beauty looked contemplative but sighed and followed. Her disappointment lingered; worse, she had given her extra jacket to the big one.

  "Damn it," she cursed quietly, hugging her arms."

  The rocky area wasn't far, but it was still a trek. Deviating from the gate's path, the prospect of shelter was too enticing to pass up—even for the braided beauty. The desert became a white expanse, wind howling like a beast, obscuring their vision even more in the deepening dark. Only the elusive gate stayed clearly visible.

  Walking grew harder as the wind intensified—as if consciously blowing against them. The trek turned grueling.

  'Well, at least now I understand what that voice meant by "the world is against us." We can't even catch a little rest,' Lucian thought, cold breath escaping his lungs. He walked behind the big one, who used his large frame to block most of the wind—making it easier for the other two. Snow crept higher up their legs with each step. He couldn't see her, but he heard the braided beauty's bated breath. Her earlier words lingered in his mind.

  'How did she even find the time to start liking someone? We're in a trial for fuck's sake.'

  In all honesty, she was beautiful—and maybe in another life... But here? This trial?

  'Ha, attachment is suicide.'

  Only one of them would leave. A relationship, of whatever nature, would be detrimental in the sick game they were thrust into.

  He exhaled slowly, jaw tightening.

  Not to mention, he had business outside this hell. His gaze hardened. A stream of cold air escaped his lips as he remembered the trespasses he suffered just before he died.

  'I will pass this trial. I must—for mom's peace, my revenge. The world owes me this much, and I'll claim it regardless,' he thought, an intense glow appearing in his eyes. The wind howled, a frigid echo of his resolve.

  Lost in thought, he didn't notice the big one had stopped and nearly walked into him before arms pulled him back into a warm embrace from behind. His eyes widened, flustered.

  'The hell! What's with this situation?' he thought, gathering himself and pulling free from her embrace. He didn't even look at her, swiftly turning to the big one.

  "Why'd you stop like that?" Lucian snapped, flushed cheeks undermining his annoyed glare.

  The big one didn't look back. "We've arrived..." His voice was tight.

  Lucian raised a brow. "Oh? Then you should have said so instead of—"

  "...but something's extremely off," the big one continued, interrupting Lucian. Lucian and the braided beauty frowned, stepping aside to see what he meant.

  "What do you mean... by... that?" Lucian's voice trailed off as he saw it.

  Smoke.

  'This... this is far too convenient.'