Time blurred, and Emily’s memory of what happened next was a haze of shouted words and blinding light. Strong hands pulled her from the icy confines, and she gasped as warmth enveloped her, a balm against the sting of the cold. Voices washed over her, urgent and concerned, yet one stood out—a woman’s voice, soft and soothing.

“Hold on, Emily. We’ve got you.”

Emily blinked against the overwhelming brightness, her vision slowly adjusting. She recognized the woman: Vanessa. Confusion raced through her addled mind, but Vanessa’s expression was one of genuine concern.