"Let's get moving and check Fiorella's place," Natalie said. Cassian nodded. "Let's go." Outside, the temperature had already dropped to about –94°F, pretty much the limit of what a human could survive. Good thing the blizzard had settled down a lot. The two of them and the three little ones got ready to head back to that alley. They needed to see what was going on. And once backup from the other two branches showed up, sticking close to Fiorella would be their safest bet. If those people were willing to risk freezing to death just to help her, then they wouldn't harm her. Staying with Fiorella also meant they didn't have to worry about the others using heavy weapons to level the building. They hadn't even reached the alley when they saw the mess ahead. Pure white snow covered in footprints, as if a whole army had just walked through. Cassian said, "Looks like they arrived first." Natalie nodded. "Let's follow the trail and see where it goes." They walked a bit farther, and soon, they could hear loud voices coming from inside the alley. "Holy crap! Weather like this shouldn't even exist. I'm freezing out here." "No kidding, man. My nose is about to fall off. I can't feel my legs at all!" "How many guys does the other side even have? They made our whole crew show up." "Judging by that firepower earlier, it must be a whole company." "Damn! Where'd those monsters come from?! Why'd they pick on us for no reason?""I heard the leader of Cloudshade Hall ticked off someone she shouldn't have. She can't fix this on her own—" Someone cut him off fast, "Shut it! You want our leaders to hear you? You really got the guts to talk trash about Ms. Hunt, huh?" That guy muttered, "I didn't mean anything. I'm loyal to the gang..." Another voice chimed in, "Ms. Hunt's place is super plain. Our leaders have been in there talking for three hours. Still not done?" Someone snapped back, "Are you dumb? We've only been here for three minutes. How did that turn into three hours?" "What?! Three minutes?! It feels like I've been dying here forever! I'm about to freeze to death!" Then a sharp, squeaky voice spoke up. "That's because we were late! Look at Skyshade Hall—they got here first and went straight into the meeting building. We, Earthshade Hall, got here after them, so we're stuck outside." "Aren't there more buildings around? Why can't we go inside?" "Is this your first time at Cloudshade Hall? Don't you know those belong to their deputy leader and the team leaders?" "How would I know?! Last time, they tossed me straight into the mall. I ate and slept in there—I never even saw this alley." "That's because you don't get it! This alley is the real Cloudshade Hall. The other place is just dorms and the cafeteria." "Quit complaining. At least the alley blocks some wind. We've got a bunch of people here—just squeeze in and we'll warm up." Hiding at the corner outside the alley, Natalie and Cassian heard everything clearly. They could confirm that the rundown two-story building was Fiorella's place. She was inside with two other leaders, and Anthony was most likely there as well. Half the underlings were stuffed into the three-story building nearby, and the rest were packed into the alley. Now that they knew everyone's positions, things were going to get easier. Natalie gave Cassian a look, telling him to stay put with the three little ones. Then she blinked out of sight and reappeared on the roof of Fiorella's house. Her white coat and hat blended right in with the snowy rooftop. Nobody below noticed the girl quietly crouching right above them. Natalie looked down at the packed crowd. Everyone was bundled up and puffed out like round balls. Still, they were clearly under-equipped. Even though they wore thick coats or down jackets, almost none of them had hats, gloves, or scarves. In such cold, that gear wouldn't cut it. They were shivering violently, teeth chattering. Natalie pursed her lips. Sorry, but I'm sending you all off. She raised her hands and pulled pool water from the mansion in her storage space, dumping it straight down. "Ah! It's cold! So cold!" "Damn! Stop!" The guys in the alley were soaked from head to toe, instantly hit with freezing chills. They looked up and finally saw the girl on the roof. Water poured endlessly from her palms. What the heck?! Is this place haunted?!"Water control! She's got water powers! A water-type ability user!" A guy who loved fantasy novels yelled it out. But right after he shouted, he found he couldn't shut his mouth. Actually, he couldn't move at all—his whole body had frozen stiff.