Together for Heat & More

Chapter 1: The Mountain's Edge

Loid Forger stood at the edge of the chalet's balcony, his gloved hands gripping the cold wooden railing as he surveyed the view. The mountain peaks stretched endlessly into the horizon, covered in thick blankets of snow that glistened under the pale winter sun. The air was crisp, biting, and clean, a stark contrast to the smog-filled city streets of Berlint. The idea of a brief family vacation had seemed like a good one—an excuse to maintain the facade of a loving, doting father and husband while keeping his cover intact. But Loid Forger wasn't on this trip just for relaxation.

Twilight—the man behind the perfect smile and gentle eyes—never truly rested.

His thoughts were always in motion, spinning layers of contingency plans and potential threats, evaluating the environment as though every tree, every gust of wind, held some hidden danger. Even now, on what appeared to be a peaceful family getaway to a secluded ski resort, his mind was on the mission. Peace between Westalis and Ostania was as fragile as the icicles hanging from the eaves, and he couldn't afford to let his guard down.

Behind him, the chalet's door creaked open, the sound muffled by the snow. He didn't need to turn around to know it was Yor. He'd memorized the subtle nuances of her movements by now—her footfalls, the way she carried herself. Her footsteps were light, almost imperceptible, which was curious for a civil servant who worked for City Hall. But then again, there had always been something curious about his wife.

Yor Forger—sweet, soft-spoken, and endearingly awkward—was nothing like the terrifying assassin known as the Thorn Princess. But Loid had no way of knowing the truth.

"Loid," Yor's voice was gentle but slightly hesitant, as if she feared she might be interrupting him. "Anya's settling in well. She's enjoying the cartoons at the inn."

He turned, offering her his practiced smile, the one that never faltered. "That's great to hear. She deserves a bit of rest." He paused, his gaze sweeping over Yor's bundled-up form, her scarf wrapped tightly around her neck. "How about you? Are you ready to hit the slopes?"

Yor nodded, though there was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. "I've... never been skiing before, but I'll do my best!"

Her hands fidgeted with the edge of her scarf, and Loid couldn't help but notice the way she carried herself—a strange mix of confidence and anxiety, as though she were simultaneously a novice and a warrior. It was a puzzling contradiction, one he had yet to fully understand. But then again, he didn't need to. This was just another assignment, after all. And Yor, like himself, had her own secrets.

As the two of them stepped out into the biting cold, their breath visible in the frigid air, Loid glanced at the distant peaks. Something about this place didn't sit right with him. Perhaps it was his instinct as a spy, honed from years of covert missions, but he couldn't shake the feeling that the pristine beauty of the mountain was hiding something far more dangerous beneath the surface.

They reached the base of the ski lift, a small group of other vacationers ahead of them, laughing and chatting as they prepared to enjoy their day on the slopes. Loid's gaze flickered between them, scanning for any signs of suspicious activity. It was automatic now—a reflex to constantly evaluate his surroundings. Everything and everyone was a potential threat until proven otherwise.

Yor, meanwhile, was concentrating on getting into her skis, her movements a little clumsy as she tried to balance on the unfamiliar equipment. Loid bent down to help her, his fingers brushing against hers as he adjusted the bindings. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and something unspoken passed between them—something warm, even in the cold.

"Thank you, Loid," Yor said softly, her cheeks slightly flushed, whether from the cold or something else, Loid couldn't tell.

He stood up, brushing the snow off his gloves. "Just relax. We'll take it easy for the first run."