Ava: Tracks

Once Lisa's finished eating and we feed the wolves who came with her—including Kellan, who seems determined to keep some level of distance from his mate, even as he sneaks glances at her when she's not looking—the entire tent goes down, including our stove.

It isn't long before I'm tucked back into my sled, despite protesting that the next area isn't far and I can walk there.

Lisa waves at me as she heads off with Mira, their forms growing smaller against the stark white landscape. The young she-wolf's animated gestures make Lisa laugh, and something in my chest loosens at the sound. It's good to see her making connections beyond just me, Kellan, and the gnomes.

"Time to move." Vanessa takes her place behind me; the guards are already in their wolf forms and harnessed.

It's still weird, even after having experienced it all day yesterday.