The North stretched endlessly before them, a sea of white and gray broken only by the dark spines of trees. The sky was clear, the crisp air biting at their skin as Jon and Katrina trudged through the snow. The weight of recent events lingered like a faint echo, but for the first time in weeks, there was a sense of peace.

Katrina adjusted the strap of her pack, her golden eyes scanning the horizon. Dream rode on her shoulder, lazily flicking her tail as if she had no care in the world. "I've got to say, Snow," Katrina said, her voice teasing, "you make one hell of a travel partner."

Jon smirked, Longclaw slung across his back as Ghost padded beside him. "Is that your way of saying you enjoy my company?"

"I'm saying you've grown on me," she said with a faint grin. "But don't let it go to your head."

Jon chuckled, his breath visible in the cold air. "I wouldn't dream of it."

They walked in comfortable silence for a while, the crunch of snow beneath their boots the only sound. Despite the barren landscape, the world felt alive again—free from the shadow that had loomed over them for so long.

Katrina glanced at Jon, her expression softening. "You know," she said, her voice quieter now, "I didn't think I'd get to see this. A day without him hanging over me."

Jon looked at her, his dark eyes steady. "You fought for it, Katrina. You earned this."

She nodded, her gaze distant. "It still feels… fragile. Like it could all come crashing down again."

Jon stopped, turning to face her. He reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder. "If it does, we'll face it together. Whatever comes next, you're not alone."

Katrina met his gaze, her golden eyes shining with gratitude. "I don't deserve you, Snow."

"Maybe not," Jon said with a faint smirk. "But you're stuck with me anyway."

Katrina laughed softly, a sound that carried on the cold wind like a melody. For the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed herself to hope.

As they continued their journey, the sun dipped lower in the sky, painting the snow in shades of gold and crimson. They stopped near a frozen stream to set up camp, the firelight casting warm shadows as they sat side by side.

Katrina leaned back against a tree, her spear resting beside her. Dream curled up in her lap, purring softly. "So, where to next?" she asked, glancing at Jon.

Jon poked at the fire with a stick, his expression thoughtful. "South, for now. The Wall's not far. We can regroup there, figure out our next move."

"And after that?" Katrina pressed.

Jon shrugged. "One step at a time. We'll see what the world throws at us."

Katrina smirked. "Sounds like a plan. A vague, borderline reckless plan. But a plan."

Jon chuckled, shaking his head. "I'll take it."

They sat in silence for a while, the fire crackling softly between them. The world felt quiet, almost serene, but there was an unspoken understanding between them—this peace wouldn't last forever.

As Katrina stared into the flames, her expression grew serious. "Jon," she said, her voice hesitant. "Do you think… do you think it's really over?"

Jon looked at her, his dark eyes thoughtful. "The shadow's gone. Your father's gone. But the world's never truly safe, Katrina. There's always something out there."

Katrina nodded slowly. "I can still feel it sometimes. That pull. It's faint, but it's there. Like a thread waiting to be tugged."

Jon reached over, his hand covering hers. "Then we'll deal with it if it comes. Together."

Katrina smiled, the tension in her shoulders easing. "Together," she echoed.

As the night deepened, the stars glittered above them, casting a silvery glow over the snow. Ghost stood watch at the edge of the camp, his crimson eyes scanning the forest, while Dream snuggled closer to Katrina, her purring a steady rhythm.

For now, they were safe. For now, they had each other.

But far to the north, beyond the Wall, the wind carried whispers of something stirring—a new threat, older and darker than anything they had faced before. And while Jon and Katrina didn't know it yet, their journey was far from over.

The fire and the frost would be tested again. But for tonight, under the vast northern sky, they allowed themselves a moment of peace.