CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SIX - NEW YORK'S DECEPTION

The moment was interrupted by a knock at the door. It was Marta, looking apologetic. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Luna, but there's a dispute in the kitchen about rationing..." Freya sighed, but straightened her shoulders. "We'll be right there, Marta. Thank you." As Marta left, Freya turned back to Anna. "Duty calls," she said ruefully. As the blizzard continued to rage outside, Freya and Anna found themselves seeking moments of quiet amid the chaos. One evening, after another long day of managing the community kitchen and tending to the needs of the villagers, they retreated to the mansion's cozy library. The crackling fire cast a warm glow over the room, creating a stark contrast to the howling wind beyond the frosted windows. Freya settled into a worn leather armchair, while Anna curled up on the adjacent sofa. For a moment, they sat in companionable silence, simply enjoying the respite from their responsibilities. "You know," Freya began, her voice soft, "I never thought I'd be