The cold was both a blessing and a curse for the HUNTRIX. A curse because, well, it was cold. Cold meant their favorite activities weren’t often available. Runs were harder, cafés a little draftier, and people a little less cheerful in general. But Zoey? Zoey was as happy as they came.

“I’m so excited!” she cheered, giving a tiny spin in her cream-colored cropped jacket over her white thick turtle neck shirt and matching mini skirt, the look softened by her white socks and glossy white and black boot heels. The outfit bounced lightly with her movement, perfectly capturing her bright, bubbly energy as she walked just to the left of Rumi. She had convinced Rumi and Mira to go to the mall today, finally. They hadn’t found time for proper shopping in ages.

Rumi smiled, brushing aside a curtain of her long purple hair, which for once she wore completely down today. Paired with her oversized ivory sweater worn like a dress, a gold chain belt at her waist, and tall brown boots, she looked both cozy and effortlessly stylish. “I wonder if they have any stronger hair ties,” she mused aloud.

Mira snorted softly, her hands tucked into the pockets of her cream turtleneck sweater and high-waisted brown skirt, the clean lines of her outfit matched with tall off-white boots. It was simple, warm, and perfectly Mira.

“Not for your hair, Rumi,” she said with the tiniest upturn of her lips—her version of a full, beaming smile.

Zoey giggled, reaching out to run her hand affectionately over some of Rumi’s long hair. “Maybe we can custom-order some! We’ll call them ‘stronger than demons!’”

Rumi burst into a laugh, while Mira bent slightly at the waist to level a look at Zoey. “And give away our secret? No way.”

The air was cold, their steps slow and easy, and the first flakes of snow began drifting around them; soft, delicate, and sparkling as the HUNTRIX walked on together.