The White Wolves pulled the sled through the newly built mountain path, racing all the way to the Glacial River Beach.
Sitting in the sled, Maria's gaze was captivated by the scenery along the way, a feeling she had never experienced before welling up inside her.
Having lived her whole life in Kivalina, the farthest she had ever gone was out to sea to fish. Compared to the cold, gloomy Ice Sea, the Crown Territory had an indescribable, special quality.
The sky here seemed bluer, the air fresher. The distant, rolling snow-capped mountains were a stark contrast to the cold, silent landscape of Kivalina.
As the sled ventured deeper onto the snow-covered river beach, a patch of green appeared in her vision.
The splash of color looked completely out of place amidst the vast white snow.
It also sparked a strong sense of curiosity in Maria. She sat up, eagerly looking toward the patch of green.
Suddenly, her eyes widened in disbelief.
