Frozen Heart of the Alps Series

Chapter 1: The Boy Who Chased StormsThe village of Steinwald slept beneath a blanket of snow.Nestled high in the Swiss Alps, the tiny mountain settlement clung to the rocky slopes as if afraid the wind might carry it away. Smoke drifted lazily from stone chimneys. Lanterns glowed behind frosted windows.Most people were indoors.Lukas Keller was not.Fifteen-year-old Lukas stood on a cliff overlooking the valley, his dark coat snapping wildly in the wind."You're going to get yourself killed one day!"The voice echoed behind him.Lukas grinned without turning around.His older sister Greta was struggling up the trail carrying a lantern."You sound exactly like Mother.""And you sound exactly like trouble."Greta finally reached him and planted her hands on her hips."What are you doing up here?"Lukas pointed toward the distant mountains.Storm clouds rolled over the peaks like an invading army.Lightning flickered inside them.Beautiful.Dangerous.Impossible to ignore."Watching," he said.Greta groaned."Normal boys play football.""Normal boys are boring."She laughed despite herself.That was Lukas.Always climbing where he shouldn't.Always searching for mysteries.Always convinced adventure was hiding just beyond the next ridge.One day, he was certain he would discover something extraordinary.Greta bumped his shoulder affectionately."You've been reading too many adventure stories.""There has to be more out there.""Out where?"He pointed toward the highest mountain."There."The peak pierced the clouds like a giant spear.Ancient stories surrounded it.Lost treasure.Hidden caves. Spirits of winter.Most villagers dismissed the tales.Lukas never did.The storm deepened.A low rumble rolled across the sky.Greta frowned."We should go home.""Five more minutes.""You said that twenty minutes ago.""Ten more minutes?""Lukas.""Fine. Five."She rolled her eyes."One day you're going to talk yourself into real trouble."If only she knew.