CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-NINE - FINAL PREPARATIONS

After what seemed like an eternity, they reached the top of the ice wall. Anna's legs were shaking from exertion, and she gratefully accepted Erik's hand as he pulled her onto solid ground. "Well done," Arryk grudgingly admitted, a hint of respect in his voice. As they continued their journey, the wind picked up, howling around them like a pack of angry wolves. Snow began to fall, quickly turning into a full-blown blizzard. "We need to find shelter!" Freya shouted over the wind. "We can't continue in this!" Arryk nodded grimly. "There's a series of ice caves not far from here. If we can reach them, we'll be safe until the storm passes." They pushed forward, the blizzard growing fiercer with each step. Anna could barely see a foot in front of her face, relying on Erik's firm grip on her hand to guide her. The cold was so intense it burned, and she found herself gasping for breath in the thin, icy air. Suddenly, Erik's voice cut through the howling wind. "Anna, watch out!" Before