The Fall into the Cold

Veil, drained from his battle with the wolves and the relentless freezing air, clutches the items he salvaged in his trembling hands. His breaths are shallow, and each step feels heavier than the last. The trees around him blur as his eyelids grow heavier. Veil (internal thoughts): Just a bit farther... just a little more... But his body refuses to comply. His legs buckle, and his shoulder slams into the trunk of a tree before he collapses onto the snowy ground. His vision blurs further, the cold creeping into every fiber of his being. Snow slowly engulfs him, each flake settling on him like a frozen shroud. Veil (whispering): "Not... here..." Darkness envelops him. The faint rustle of a branch pierces the forest's stillness. A figure descends from a tree with fluid, silent movements, as precise as a predator's. Wolf-like ears perk atop her head, and her tail sways gently behind her. The wolf-woman approaches Veil, her piercing blue eyes studying him intently. She kneels beside him, extending her hand toward his neck. Two fingers press lightly against his skin, searching for a pulse. ???? (internal thoughts): He's still alive. Stupid human. You should already be dead. She glances at the horizon, scanning the forest around her. The icy wind howls, carrying with it a mist of fine snow. Her gaze hardens. ???? (internal thoughts): If he stays here, he won't last an hour. With a smooth motion, she leans down, sliding her arms under his shoulders and legs. Veil is light—much lighter than she expected. With a quiet grunt, she hoists him onto her back, wrapping his arms around her neck. ???? (under her breath): "Don't make this harder than it already is, human." Her steps are light but swift. She weaves through the forest with remarkable agility, her feet avoiding roots and hidden snowdrifts. Her breathing remains steady, even with the added weight on her back. The wind lashes at her, but she doesn't falter. After several minutes of graceful strides, she stops near a rocky outcrop, partially concealed by bare, windblown bushes. A cave. ???? (internal thoughts): This will do. She nudges the bushes aside with her foot, carrying Veil inside. She places him gently against the rocky wall. Her tail sways slightly as she examines him, ensuring he's still alive. His chest rises and falls slowly but steadily. ???? (internal thoughts): At least you're still breathing. She turns away, retrieving a small piece of flint from her leather belt. Scanning the cave floor, she gathers dry twigs and a few pieces of brittle wood, snapping them with her hands. TCHAK! TCHAK! Sparks leap from the flint. TCHAK! TCHAK! Flames flicker to life, casting a faint, dancing glow on the cave walls. She sits down, arms crossed, her sharp gaze fixed on Veil. ???? (internal thoughts): Stay alive, stranger. You've piqued my curiosity.