Winter break had finally arrived, and with it came the trip to Alice's house. Rose had invited Natalie and asked Alice to bring her along with Kara.
The road was covered with a thin layer of snow when Alice's car stopped in front of an old, dark wooden house surrounded by tall pine trees. The windows glowed with a warm yellow light that contrasted sharply with the biting cold outside.
"Welcome," said Alice, opening the door for Kara and Natalie.
The smell of burning wood and spices filled the air as soon as they stepped in. In the middle of the living room, standing beside the fireplace, Rose was already waiting for them. She wore a simple black dress, but her light eyes captured the attention of anyone who dared to look for more than a second.
"What a pleasant surprise," she said with a flawless smile.
"I wasn't expecting such charming guests."
Natalie, unaware of the weight beneath those words, smiled back.
"Hi, Rose! I didn't expect to see you here."
Rose held her hand just long enough for Kara to notice something strange in that touch, almost as if Rose were feeling Natalie's pulse.
Alice interrupted.
"Rose, they're tired from the trip. I'll show them their rooms."
The first two days passed peacefully. They cooked together, explored the area around the house, and even played cards at night. Kara began to think maybe she'd been paranoid about Rose.
In the morning, the scent of fresh coffee and baked bread filled the kitchen. Alice was making pancakes while Kara, still in her pajamas, helped cut fruit. Natalie rummaged through the cabinets, finding old utensils and asking curious questions about each one.
"This looks like something out of an old movie," Natalie said, lifting a cast-iron kettle.
"It is," Alice replied with a faint smile.
"And it works better than any electric one."
In the afternoon, they walked along the trail that led to the frozen creek. Natalie tossed small stones to see if they'd crack the ice, while Kara photographed the snow-covered trees. Rose didn't join them on their walks, but she was always back before they were, as if she'd spent the day watching from afar.
At night, they gathered in the living room, the fireplace crackling as they played cards and shared stories. Natalie laughed loudly, and even Alice seemed more relaxed, allowing Kara to tease her when she lost a hand.
"That's not fair, you're distracting me," said Alice, with a small smile.
"It's strategy," Kara replied, resting her chin in her hands.
For a brief moment, Rose observed the exchange of glances between the two. Her smile was serene, but there was something quietly calculated behind it.
At first, it seemed like the days would be peaceful… but Kara, without realizing it, was already standing in the center of a web that was beginning to close around her.
As time passed, small signs began to appear.
Natalie and Rose started talking more and more, always in low voices, with muffled laughter that Alice pretended not to hear, but Kara noticed all too clearly.
During one breakfast, Kara caught Rose watching her closely, as if studying her every move. It wasn't hatred… it was something else. Something predatory and patient.
On a particularly cold night, Rose suggested a walk to the hills near the house. Natalie accepted immediately. Alice, on the other hand, refused with a tone so dry it made the air in the room heavy.
"Why not?" asked Natalie, laughing.
"It sounds fun."
"Because it's not safe," said Alice, without lifting her eyes from her teacup.
Rose only smiled.
"Some things get more interesting precisely because they're not safe."
At that moment, Kara realized that the fragile harmony was beginning to fall apart.
And that Alice's house, with its cozy fireplace and scent of cinnamon — was slowly turning into hunting ground.