Raina could barely remember the first time she saw snow. She recalled the small, white flakes falling slowly, disappearing into the warmth of the ground. The wind had left her cheeks rosy red, and Raina could even remember the slight chill of the ice melting on her outstretched tongue. Raina realized now how her memories had betrayed her because not once did she think the powder would leave her so cold.

The chill had left Raina's entire face numb, and the snow had seeped into her boots, exposing her feet to the harsh weather. If that wasn't enough, Raina was being strangled by the bundle of clothes she was wearing to protect herself from the element.

Mal had gifted her a steel blue cloak as well as other garb that matched it and hugged around her waist. She also received a jacket, boots, and gloves all lined with fur. If Mal had not been generous enough, which she had, she had also bestowed one of her own handcrafted blades to Raina. It was thin and fit her hand, which made it easy for Raina to make swift movements. She hadn't been able to stop swishing it back and forth through the air, admiring the way the blade sliced the air. Mal had added her signature touch of red to the handle, giving the sword an air of ferocity.

Of course, Raina knew this wasn't a gift. It was an exchange. Mal gave Raina the tools she needed to succeed, and she would bring back the herb to save Lance's life.

The creaking of a door awoke Raina from her thoughts, and she saw that she had arrived at her destination: Mal's stables. Sam, who had been leading the way, threw a glare over her shoulder, and that was all Raina needed to know that she needed to pick up the pace. Sam had already made it quite clear that she was not a fan of the princess.

Raina rolled her eyes. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Sam was Mal's daughter, which had surprised Raina. Mal didn't give off a motherly vibe even when she was around her daughter. Mal treated Sam like a soldier heading into combat. Even more surprising, Sam was Lance's cousin, meaning Mal had a greater relationship with Lance than he had originally let on. Although, now that saw Sam's wild, raven hair, Raina wasn't sure how she hadn't noticed the relation before.

Other than a few physical traits, Lance and Sam didn't share much else. In fact, she chose not to speak to Raina and ignored the princess when she tried to start a conversation.

Raina gave a relieved sigh as she entered the warmth of the stables and jumped only slightly as Sam slammed the doors shut. There were a total of five horses, two donkeys, and one pony. All of the animals stirred at the new arrivals, their eyes growing bigger at the expectation of food. The air was musty, and Raina's nose twitched at the dirt. Her poor nose had been through too much today.

Sam wasted no time preparing a white horse in the last stable.

"This is Sophie," Sam said, marking the first time she had spoken to Raina since they had met an hour ago. "She's on the older side, but she is the most gentle, so she'll have to do for now. Just don't be too rough with her."
Raina nodded and watched in confusion as Sam went two stalls down to a large brown horse.

"Is someone going with me to get the medicine?" Mal had made it clear that none of her men would be going, and Reggie was missing in action since his outburst.

"Me."

"I thought Mal said-"

Sam slammed her fist against the wall and directed her sharp, auburn eyes at Raina. "I don't care what my mother said. I'm not going to leave Lance's life in the hands of some little brat."

"Excuse me?" Raina burst out. The weather was no longer the only thing that had grown cold.

Sam snorted. "Just stay out of my way. I'm coming. End of story." She led her horse outside, leaving Raina to simmer in the heat of her anger.

Raina collected herself with one deep breath, biting back the anger. Sam was probably just worried. They both needed to focus on saving Lance right now. There would be another time and place for a fight.

And with that, Raina followed Sam into the storm.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Xavier, Mal's right hand man, had made it clear to Raina and Sam before they took off that they had a very narrow margin of time to avoid the approaching blizzard. They would have to race straight there and back, and if she were delayed, the only way to make it back before the storm hit with full force would be to take a shortcut through the mountains. Xavier stressed that this was a last resort. When Raina has asked why she shouldn't just take the route to save time, Xavier didn't meet her eyes while Sam made a point to roll hers.

"It is a last resort," he repeated.

Ari had woken up just before she left, but the girl was too weak to accompany Raina, who couldn't help but be grateful. It was too dangerous for Ari, and the last thing she wanted was to drag the girl into any trouble she might encounter.

Reggie had not made an appearance since his outburst. Raina has searched the grounds for him, but it was as if he had disappeared into thin air. She wasn't sorry for what she was doing, but she had at least hoped she could get him to understand. Raina also couldn't banish the memory of her brother's name leaving Reggie's lips, the sound echoing through the church. How had he known her brother? An image of the lily flower symbol etched onto Reggie's skin flickered through Raina's mind. The longer she knew Reggie, the more of a mystery he became.

These were the thoughts that passed through Raina's head as she followed Sam into Exeter. It hadn't changed much since the last time she had visited. The only difference now was that the dilapidated stone buildings were covered with snow, and the single cobblestone road that ran through the town was now covered in a white blanket. There were no people bustling outside, and Raina almost could believe that this was a simple, quiet town where nothing happened. Of course, the girl knew better. The last time she had come here, a man had robbed her upon her first few steps in the town. She clutched her valuables closer to her chest and glanced warily at her empty surroundings. It was unusual for this town to be so peaceful, even with a blizzard coming.

Raina wasn't the only one feeling the town's weird aura. Sam's body stiffened as her eyes darted back and forth across the town.

"Where is everyone?"

Sam shrugged, as if it was too much effort for her to give a more detailed answer.

Upon reaching Pierre's house, Raina and Sam still hadn't encountered a single human being. She had imagined that at least some townsfolk would be lingering outside Pierre's hut in hopes of a hot meal, but it was deserted. Raina dismounted her horse and cautiously approached the door, giving a light knock. She waited, but no one answered.

Raina frowned. She was starting to have a bad feeling. She knocked again, louder this time, and waited. Still, no one came.

"Out of the way princess." Sam wasted no time kicking the door down before stomping into Pierre's home. Raina was slightly flustered, but nevertheless followed Sam into the house. She would have to apologize to Pierre about the door.

The house was the same as Raina had left it. There were various ingredients scattered around the kitchen, as if Sara had just been cooking for the town. The workbench in the orange living room was full of wood shavings, and a small wood carving sat on the rough wood, the knife still stuck in its side. The clocks ticked in unison, giving Raina a massive headache. Apparently she wasn't the only one it bothered.

Sam didn't hesitate in sticking her knife into one of the clocks hanging on the wall, giving it a vicious stare as she pulled away from it. She went to stab another one when Raina grabbed her arm.

"Don't do that! Control yourself!"

Sam pulled her arm from Raina's grip. "Don't touch me," Sam growled, "I'll do whatever I want."

Anger welled in Raina's chest. Sam met Raina's hardened gaze, neither backing down. Finally, Sam placed her dagger back in her belt and pushed past Raina.

"What's your deal?" Raina growled at her as she walked away. "Why do you hate me?"
Sam's eyebrows furrowed as she looked at Raina over her shoulder. "Don't play the innocent card princess. I'm a Luciano; you're a Savoia. It's in our blood to hate each other. You may be on our side now, but when you get the chance, you'll stab us in the back."

"But that's not-"

"Don't listen to Lance sweetheart," Sam cut in. "He's an idealist, a dreamer. Vito is as good as gone in King Augustus's hands, and now our family has its own war to fight. We don't need a Savoia involved. So do us all a favor, and when we return with the medicine, go back into hiding. Lance will get over it."

Raina clenched her jaw and watched as Sam stomped out of the house. If she thought she'd be rid of Raina that easily, she had another thing coming.

Raina barged out the door, prepared to give Sam a piece of her mind. Her fists were clenched at her side, and her lips pressed into a firm line. However, someone else had found Sam first.

A single man stood in front of Sam, towering over her despite his failing posture. His clothing was very light, but he didn't seem bothered by the snow pelting his skin. Deep bags under his eyes gave him a crazy look, which was only emphasized by his dark and wild hair.

"Well if it isn't little Samantha," the man said in a menacing voice.

"Clyde," Sam spat. "No wonder the town is empty if you and your boys are in town."
A sly grin spread across the man's face. "Ah don't be so on edge. You need to let yourself relax every once in a while. After all," Clyde paused and held up a thin, green stem of a plant, "I might have the solution to your little problem."

Raina's eyes widened at the Virentem. "What do you want for it?"

Sam crossed her arms. "He's not going to give it to us. He probably took out Pierre and Sara to get it before us. He works for the traitors."
"Oh Samantha." Clyde shook his head and clamped a hand on Sam's shoulder. "You always assume the worst. Pierre and Sara went on an emergency trip out of town. Me and the boys just chose to help ourselves to what he left behind. I will be willing to share." His lips spread into a grin. "For a price."

Sam gave Clyde a look of disgust before throwing his hand off her shoulder.
"We'll do whatever we have to," said Raina.

Clyde let out an enormous chuckle and chose to clasp his hand on Raina's shoulder this time. "Now that's what I like to hear!"

"Let's hurry this up Clyde."

"Alright, alright. I want to make an exchange with Mal."

"No," Sam snapped. "A traitor can't be trusted to hold up their end of the deal."

Clyde shrugged. "Alright then. No medicine for Lance then."

"Sam."

Sam glared at Raina before caving. "Fine. We'll hear you out."

"Lance's life for my brother's. He returns without a scratch, and I'll give you the medicine."

"Ok we'll send him right over," said Sam hurriedly as reached for the herb, but Clyde held it high above his head.

"I'm going to need to see my brother first."

"We don't have time for this!" Sam yelled in frustration.

"There has to be some compromise we can make," pleaded Raina. "We're trying to beat the blizzard that is moving in. If we don't, it might be too late for Lance. If Lance doesn't get that medicine, then your brother also loses his second chance at life."

"What a tricky situation we find ourselves in." Clyde placed a hand on his chin. "The way I see it, there's only one way to solve our problem. I send the medicine with this young lady, and Samantha stays here until Mal delivers my brother."

"It's a deal if I deliver the medicine instead," said Sam.

"Oh hell no! You'll leave, and we'll never see you again."

Clyde nodded at Raina's statement. "The young lady is right. Mal only cares about you and Lance."

Sam narrowed her eyes at Raina. "How do I know that you'll come back."

"You have my word."

"Your word means nothing to me."

Raina sighed. "You don't have much of a choice, so you can bargain with me, or we can waste more time arguing."

Sam swiped at a strand of raven hair sitting on her shoulder before crossing her arms over her chest. Her auburn eyes softened for an instant, and for the first time, Raina didn't see a hardened, aggressive criminal. She saw a girl who was worried about losing her family. Raina's heart panged. She knew how that felt.

"You really care about Lance, huh?"

Sam stiffened, as if she knew that Raina had caught her in a moment of weakness. "Who else would take over for Vito? Other than that, he's a useless clown who only causes trouble."

Raina smirked. She had to agree with the clown part. "You can count on me to get him the medicine. I swear on my life."

Sam still didn't seem convinced, but Clyde was getting impatient and wiggled the bag in front of her face.

"Come on kid. I'm getting cold."

"Fine," she huffed.

Clyde placed a firm hand on Sam's shoulder before handing Raina the medicine. She wasted no time hopping on her horse and preparing to head back to Lance. They had lost valuable time, and the wind had picked up. The snow had been falling at a steady pace, but the flakes were growing bigger and coming down faster with every passing second. Soon enough, the storm would engulf them in a curtain of ice, and Raina didn't want to wait around to see it happen.
"Hey princess!"

Raina paused at the sound of Sam's voice.

"If you don't get Lance the medicine, I'll make sure you join him in the afterlife!"

A grin spread on Raina's face. With that last spurt of encouragement, she took off into the storm.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Long time no see everyone. I figured it was time to update this story as it's been close to a year since the last time I did so. This doesn't mean I'm back to my regular update schedule, but I'm staying true to my word to finish this story.

On another note, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and thanks to those of you who have stuck around this story this long.

Good luck to all of those starting school! I start college soon, so if anyone has tips, please feel free to share!