09-14-2026, 12:24 AM
Colette had texted Natalie from the car as soon as they departed the Radiance. After a few initial conversations brokered by Evelyn, the open invitation to visit Belizna was something she’d been genuinely looking forward to. It explained why she was up so early to get on the road.
On the way, She watched snowflakes tumble past the window with mild interest. Growing up in New York City meant she was no stranger to winter weather, but yesterday's forecast predicting three feet of snow had been startling enough. Halfway through the drive, an updated bulletin hit her wallet with the kind of sudden, escalating warning that gave anyone serious pause. She’d actually texted Natalie to ask if she should turn back, but they were already too far out. At that point, pushing through made more sense than navigating the snowstorm back to the city.
By the time the car finally pulled up to the estate, the historic grounds and sweeping facades were entirely swallowed by a heavy, driving wall of white. The driver carried her bags inside while Colette hurried in right behind him, pausing in the grand foyer to brush the melting flakes from her hair and shoulders. She thanked him, tipping him generously for braving the worsening roads, and then turned to peer around the unfamiliar space.
On the way, She watched snowflakes tumble past the window with mild interest. Growing up in New York City meant she was no stranger to winter weather, but yesterday's forecast predicting three feet of snow had been startling enough. Halfway through the drive, an updated bulletin hit her wallet with the kind of sudden, escalating warning that gave anyone serious pause. She’d actually texted Natalie to ask if she should turn back, but they were already too far out. At that point, pushing through made more sense than navigating the snowstorm back to the city.
By the time the car finally pulled up to the estate, the historic grounds and sweeping facades were entirely swallowed by a heavy, driving wall of white. The driver carried her bags inside while Colette hurried in right behind him, pausing in the grand foyer to brush the melting flakes from her hair and shoulders. She thanked him, tipping him generously for braving the worsening roads, and then turned to peer around the unfamiliar space.
![[Image: Colette-signature-rainbow.png]](http://thefirstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Colette-signature-rainbow.png)