Summary

In Chapter 18, Bert’s hands were numb only a few minutes after she left the protection of the castle. The only thing that kept her going was the promise of seeing Luca again. In the village, Bert could not see the smoke any longer and knew that if she did not find shelter she would freeze to death. She was just starting to panic when she saw a flicker of light in one of the stone houses.

A man, who introduced himself as Pierre, allowed her inside the cabin. He was there with Justine, his wife. They were avid ice climbers. Justine said her family had lived in Nevenero. They were staying in the cottage that belonged to Justine’s grandfather. Justine’s eyes were wide when Bert explained she had been helping a sick relative who lived in Montebianco Castle. Justine said...