The helicopter descended onto a vast, untouched landscape of snow-covered peaks. The wind carried a crisp chill, the air thin and pure. As far as the eye could see, the Alps stretched in silent majesty, their white peaks reaching into the heavens.
Mirshad stepped out first, his boots sinking slightly into the soft snow. He inhaled deeply, feeling the peace that only a place untouched by chaos could bring. Behind him, Sophia emerged, her coat wrapped tightly around her as she took in the sight before her.
"This place is unreal," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mirshad smirked slightly. "Then let's make sure you never wake up from it."
She turned to him with a soft smile, her cheeks slightly flushed from the cold.
They began walking toward the cabin, the only structure in sight. Built from dark wood and stone, it stood like a silent guardian against the harshness of the mountains. Smoke curled from its chimney, promising warmth inside.
Halfway through their walk, Mirshad's foot suddenly sank deep into the snow, causing him to stumble slightly.
Sophia chuckled, watching his struggle. "So, the great MRD can take down empires, but snow is your weakness?"
Mirshad shot her a warning look. "One more word and I'll throw you into it."
She arched a brow. "You wouldn't dare."
In one swift motion, before she could react, he scooped her into his arms and tossed her into the thick snow. She landed with a muffled gasp, half-buried, her expression shifting from shock to laughter.
"I hate you," she said between laughs.
Mirshad grinned, offering his hand to help her up. "And yet, here you are, still mine."
She accepted his hand, shaking the snow from her hair as they finally reached the cabin.
Inside, the cabin was bathed in the golden glow of firelight. The large stone fireplace crackled, sending warmth throughout the room. The scent of burning wood mixed with the faint hint of pine. Thick rugs covered the floor, and a large bed rested against the far wall, piled high with blankets.
Sophia took in the cozy surroundings, sighing with satisfaction. "This is perfect."
Mirshad placed their bags down and shrugged off his coat. "Only the best for you."
She turned toward the fireplace, stretching out her hands to warm them.
A soft thump sounded behind her.
She turned just in time for a pillow to smack her face.
For a second, there was silence.
Then her eyes narrowed.
"Oh, it's war now," she declared.
Grabbing a pillow from the couch, she launched it at him with all her strength. He caught it midair, tossing another her way. Soon, the quiet cabin turned into a battlefield of flying pillows and laughter.
After a while, breathless from laughter, they collapsed onto the couch, the fire flickering beside them.
As the evening deepened, the wind outside howled louder. Snow battered against the windows, a thick blizzard rolling in. The world outside faded into a wall of white.
Sophia wrapped her arms around herself, shivering slightly.
Mirshad, noticing immediately, stood and pulled a thick fur blanket from the couch. Without a word, he draped it around both of them, pulling her close against his chest.
Her body tensed for a moment before she melted into him, his warmth chasing away the cold.
"You're so warm," she whispered, her breath barely audible.
His voice was calm. "I have to be. You need me."
She rested her head against him, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. There was something about this moment—being held in his arms, the storm raging outside—that made her feel untouchable, safe in a way she never had before.
"I never imagined a life like this," she admitted softly. "You make me feel... safe."
"You are safe," he replied without hesitation. "As long as I breathe, nothing will ever harm you."
For a while, they sat in silence, wrapped in each other's warmth, the only sound the crackling fire and the storm outside.
Then, out of nowhere, Sophia's cold hands slipped beneath Mirshad's shirt, pressing against his stomach.
His body jerked at the sudden shock.
"What the—?! Sophia, your hands are ice!"
She giggled, her eyes mischievous. "Oops. Did I forget to warn you?"
Mirshad exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "You're really testing my patience."
Before she could escape, he grabbed her and tossed her onto the bed.
"Mirshad, no—!" she started, but it was too late.
He pinned her down with ease, smirking as he hovered over her. "Now, let's see how you like it."
His fingers dug into her sides, tickling her without mercy.
She screamed between laughs, struggling to get away. "Okay, okay! I surrender!"
He finally stopped, grinning down at her. "That's what I thought."
She lay beneath him, breathless, her laughter fading into something quieter. Their eyes met, the warmth between them no longer just from the fire.
She reached up, fingers tracing his jawline. "You're impossible."
"And yet, you love me," he murmured, his voice softer now.
She didn't answer.
She didn't have to.
When Sophia woke the next morning, the storm had passed. The world outside was pure and untouched, the sun glistening over the white landscape.
Mirshad lay beside her, still asleep.
She propped herself on one elbow, watching him. Even in sleep, he looked powerful—serene but unshakable. She couldn't help but reach out, tracing the sharp angles of his jaw lightly with her fingertips.
A slow smirk curled on his lips.
"Are you staring at me, Sophia?"
She quickly pulled her hand back. "No! I was just... thinking."
His eyes opened, filled with amusement. "Thinking about how lucky you are?"
She scoffed, pushing him away. "You're impossible."
He chuckled, sitting up and stretching. "I know."
They dressed and stepped outside, their boots crunching against the fresh snow.
Sophia's eyes sparkled as she turned to Mirshad. "It's so beautiful."
Mirshad simply watched her, his expression unreadable.
She took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment.
Then, suddenly, she grabbed a handful of snow and hurled it at him.
The snow hit his back with a muffled thump.
He froze.
She took a step back, smirking.
"Did you just throw snow at me?" he asked, his voice dangerously calm.
"Maybe," she replied innocently.
He exhaled, flexing his fingers. "Okay, you asked for this."
A full snowball fight erupted, laughter echoing through the mountains.
For the first time in a long while, Mirshad wasn't a ruler, a warrior, or a force feared by the world.
He was just a man, standing in the snow with the woman he loved.
And in that moment, it was all he needed.