CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOUR - BENEATH THE SNOW

Bjorn's expression remained neutral, but Anna sensed a flicker of skepticism in his eyes. She straightened her shoulders, determined to prove her worth. Over the next few weeks, the renovation project became a complex dance of coordination and compromise. Anna's enthusiasm and fresh ideas often clashed with Freya's more traditional approach, leading to some heated discussions. One particularly contentious issue arose when discussing the grand hall's restoration. "We should open up these windows," Anna suggested, gesturing to the narrow, Gothic-style openings. "It would let in more natural light and make the space feel less oppressive." Freya shook her head firmly. "Absolutely not. Those windows have been that way for centuries. They're designed to provide protection and privacy." "But think about the energy savings," Anna persisted. "With more natural light, we'd reduce our reliance on artificial lighting. Plus, it would make the space more inviting for pack gatherings." Freya's