Chapter 19

The frigid night seemed to stretch on endlessly, its icy grip tightening around me with each passing moment. The weight of the cold bore down on my trembling body, making it difficult to even take a breath. Each inhalation felt like a sharp, piercing dagger, cutting through my lungs and leaving me gasping for air.

As I fought against the freezing temperatures, I whispered to myself, urging my tired eyes to stay open. The strain in my voice was evident, trembling with the effort to stay alert in the face of the relentless cold.

The danger that surrounded me was suffocating, pressing in from all sides. I could feel the pull of sleep, tempting me with its promise of warmth and respite. Yet, I knew that succumbing to slumber would be a grave mistake. All the hard work and sacrifices I had made would be in vain if I let myself drift into unconsciousness. It was a constant battle, fighting against the desire to close my eyes and surrender to the numbing embrace of sleep.

The night was shrou