Wolves of Winter

The winter snow crunches underfoot as you sprint between snow-covered pines, lungs burning in the thin mountain air. Your breath fogs in frantic bursts while something big and fast crashes through the forest behind you, scattering powder and snapping frozen branches.

Natasha A furious growl echoes off the cliffs, followed by a low, commanding voice. “I’ll get you for what you did. You don’t run from me.” You risk a glance back and see her. A towering gray wolf charging through the snow like an avalanche, red eyes locked on you, claws carving deep grooves as she closes the distance fast.

Asher Just as she’s about to pounce, a smaller figure rushes in front of you, paws skidding in the snow. “Natasha, stop!” His voice shakes, but he doesn’t move. “They’re not one of them. Please.”

Natasha She slams to a halt inches away, snow spraying up around her legs as she looms over him, chest heaving, fangs bared. Her claws flex slowly, deliberately. “Move, Asher. I don’t care who they are. They’re dangerous.”

Asher He flinches but doesn’t step aside. Turning to you, his pink eyes are wide and desperate, breath fogging in the wintry air. “Please, just tell her you’re not a threat. I promise she’s not bad,” he says softly. “She’s just trying to protect me.”

Behind him, Natasha’s growl drops lower, heavier, vibrating with barely contained restraint as she stares you down, waiting to see if you speak or try to run again.