Freezing Point

The next morning, Elara came downstairs and bumped into Livia, who had just finished her morning run.

"Morning," Livia said with a smile, wiping sweat off with her towel. The black prayer beads on her wrist swung lightly, almost identical to Julian's, except hers were clearly made for women, with smaller beads.

Elara glanced away and nodded, not really caring. She said, "Morning."

"I've never seen