The forest was eerily silent, broken only by the occasional caw of a raven and the sound of boots crunching on the thick snow. A thin layer of snow settled on John as he looked around, seeing the twisted dead trees intertwined with each other, thorny bushes hidden under the white blanket appearing harmless, and some unfamiliar plants still growing wildly. Wild animals watched him from unseen places with keen eyes. He had never ventured into the depths of this dense forest, and if it weren't for the queen's command to find the princess who had disappeared over a decade ago, he doubted he would ever have entered.

"Find her, dead or alive, and bring me her heart," the queen's words had drilled into his mind like ice crystals.

Suddenly, John's ears picked up a low growl from an animal. He turned to see a gray wolf crouched behind a tree, growling a warning. John calmly drew his dagger; he knew how to deal with a winter wolf, but as more wolves began to emerge from the shadows, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of panic. The pack started to circle around him, and he quickly considered his options, realizing that escape was nearly impossible. Just as the lead wolf bared its teeth, aiming for his throat, a strange whistle cut through the air. Almost instantly, the wolf pack turned towards the sound and began to retreat.

“What—” “Drop it.” Before he could react, a woman's voice came from behind him, followed by the sound of a bowstring being drawn. He tossed aside his dagger, the silver blade instantly covered by snow. “Now turn around.” Following your command, John slowly turned, and you, kept your bow trained on the hunter-clad man, watching him warily.