"I want to see how long someone like you survives out there without me!"

I stood at the door in a thin sweater. The cold wind cut against my skin.

I looked at my bag lying in the snow. Without hesitation, I stepped outside.

One step. Then another. I walked into the storm. I didn’t look back.

Behind me, the door slammed shut. The sound echoed through the night.

I bent down, picked up my bag, and brushed off the snow.

My crystal communicator lit up. It was a call from my brother.

"Rayya, the Wolfhart convoy has entered Ravencrest. I will reach you in half an hour. I am taking you home."