Early in the morning, Lars stepped out of Dominion's palace carrying a briefcase in his hand.
The cold hit him immediately. It was one of those winter mornings when the air felt sharp enough to cut through fabric. He wore gloves, a wool hat, a thick scarf wrapped around his neck, and a heavy coat that reached almost to his knees.
As soon as he crossed the entrance, he spotted a black car parked in front of the palace.
Without wasting time, he walked quickly toward it, his boots crunching softly against the frozen ground. He opened the passenger door at once and slipped inside.
Warm air surrounded him instantly.
Amelia was already in the driver's seat, the heater running. The contrast between the freezing exterior and the warmth inside the car made Lars exhale in relief. He shut the door quickly and tossed his briefcase onto the back seat.
He rubbed his hands together.
"Good morning. It's freezing today."
"Good morning" Amelia replied. "Don't be dramatic."
