Nayeon woke up as her natural clock directed, which was around the transition of dawn into the morning. She greeted the sunlight half-eyed, uncurling herself to stretch. Yawning, she caught a glimpse of an owl returning from the night’s hunt on a tree branch above. The bird stared back at her with big round eyes then flapped its wings in an intimidating manner. Nayeon immediately looked away, because the motion had reminded her of the interaction with the eagle yesterday. She shivered, hoping to never see another raptor as long as she lives.

Nayeon inched a little out of the bed, enough to let her muzzle hover above the ground. felt dry, so she scooped some snow in and ate it. The ice crystal melted in as she crawled back to where she was originally to bask in the warmth. It was there that she realized her black-and-white savior from yesterday was gone. Her scent signaled that she’d left recently, and Nayeon felt disappointed for not waking up earlier. She’d hoped to send the younger off with something as simple as a “thank you” for patching her up, feeding her, and all that. There was also a small personal reason that Nayeon would never dare to admit to anyone out loud. Not even herself, in fact she was trying hard to deny how insanely attractive Jungyeon was both inside and outside. Discarding her feelings, Nayeon blamed herself for foolishly hoping that the other might stay. It was understandable that two wolves of no relevant ties would part, but her heart did feel a bit heavy. She brushed off the sad feelings before it could further affect her and rolled to her side. The reality was that this winter was hell. Bonds were fragile things due to the food shortage and competitions. In times like these, even members of the same pack would be fighting, not to mention complete strangers. She should just be grateful that she was at least saved from bleeding out.

Still, the chances of her actually staying alive now was very slim. She supposed she could stay within the forest until she recovered, but food was going to be a major problem again. Hunting—the very basis of her survival—would be near impossible with her infirmity right now. She couldn’t run, and she doubted that she would be lucky enough to catch another lemming again. Before she could even attempt to survive, she would have to get up first. Nayeon positioned herself with her front paws anchored to the ground like last night, pulling herself up but collapsed back down when it was time for her injured leg to contribute. Her leg obviously couldn’t handle the weight, and she would need to try something new quick. Nayeon decided to start with the same position; this time, she placed nearly all of her weight onto her front legs. Carefully, she lifted herself up without the support of her bad leg and allowed her three good legs to do the work. In a swift motion, she was standing up sturdily without any trembles. Nayeon laughed shortly at her accomplishment, then tried ambitiously to move forward. It turned out that although she could walk, this method was very slow and tiring. She nearly had to time every step correctly in order to share her weight on each leg, otherwise one would wobble under the excessive amount.

It took her a ridiculous amount of time to get to the spot where she remembered Jungyeon had disposed the leftover bones. It was another disappointment when she saw that the ravens got there before her. The black birds flew off upon her arrival, but there was nothing left for her as she simply stared at the empty carcass. There were still bits of bone that she could chew on, however, Nayeon thought it was better if she just move on. She turned around with great effort, then limped back towards the bed. Clueless of where to go, the sandy beige beta flopped back down onto the turf bed where she fed herself a few more chunks of snow. This was depressing, and she was already out of breath from all that concentration. She predicted that she would need to take several short breaks like this one if she plans to get somewhere, but she didn’t complain if it meant she could walk. Anything was better than rotting here with one useless leg.

When she was ready, Nayeon sat up once more in preparation for her official leave. Her injured leg ached a bit under the weight, but it was good that she could sit unlike yesterday. The beta stood up, a familiar scent filled her nostrils before she could even take a step. Appearing from the nest of trees was no other than Jungyeon, red-orange eyes widened when she saw the position that Nayeon was in. A marmot was lodged between her jaw, and she dropped it near Nayeon’s feet.

“Wow, good job.” The black-and-white beta praised.

Nayeon wasn’t sure if it was sincere, because Jungyeon looked quite concerned. The older beta seemed to have frozen due to the shock of her return. Nayeon blinked twice before opening , then she closed it and lowered herself to sit down. She studied Jungyeon as the other stared back at her, gaze shifting from younger’s broad shoulders to her eyes. Nayeon tried to find an explanation in them, but their contact was broken when Jungyeon nudged the kill towards her. The older still didn’t stop looking at her.

“Why are you still here?” Nayeon slurred out.

The younger beta stared at her with an equal amount of confusion. “Why would I not be?”

A long list of reasons why Jungyeon shouldn’t be here ran inside Nayeon’s head, but she knew that the younger wasn’t stupid. Any wolf in their clear mind would abandon her from the very start.

“I thought you’d left.” Nayeon said softly.

“Well, I allowed my pity to take the best of me a second time.” Jungyeon smiled, lightening the older’s heart and filling it with an undeniable amount of fondness.

Nayeon tried to push the feelings further away and mentioned the kill instead. “Are you not going to have some?”

“Oh, yeah.” Jungyeon dipped down and tore off a thigh, which surprised Nayeon a second time.

“I meant half.”

“I think this is enough.” Jungyeon carried her piece to settle next to her friend.

She ate right away, perhaps afraid that Nayeon might protest or insist that they trade. The older stared at her share of the kill, unsure if she should accept such an offer. Heck, she wasn’t sure what she’d done to even deserve this. She was speechless enough that Jungyeon had returned for her, and she certainly didn’t expect her to go as far as this. Though it was tempting, she told herself to not put too much faith that the younger might remain by her side until she recovers. Their contact might end now for all she knew. Nayeon sniffed the carcass, pausing to glance at Jungyeon. Her golden eyes begged for a reassurance, and the younger beta did not hesitate to reply with a defined nod. After that, Nayeon allowed her teeth to do what they do best.

Occupied with their meals, the two betas remained quiet until they were completely finished. Jungyeon settled in the bed cleaning her paws while Nayeon gnawed on a leg bone until her jaw hurts. Then, the older discarded it and turned to her friend. There were a lot of questions she wanted to ask, but she feared that there were more answers she wouldn’t be ready for. Her opinion of Jungyeon was unclear. She wanted to trust her, however, her logic told her otherwise. The younger wolf was much stronger, much bigger, and an excellent hunter. Things seemed to be fine now but if she made one wrong move, her entire life might be in danger. Not that Jungyeon would outright attack her, she just wasn’t sure what to expect. It also didn’t help that her emotions at the moment conflicted with such a prediction. If anything, she felt safe knowing that Jungyeon was right next to her. Everything that the younger had offered and done for her felt genuine. Nayeon found comfort just by looking at her. As much as she hated it, her heart raced and pounded erratically when Jungyeon caught her gaze. Nayeon was compelled by some mysterious voice in the back of her head to say something. The younger raised her head as if expecting that something.

“When are you leaving?” The big question slipped out before Nayeon could realize what was happening.

“Geez, do you want me to leave that badly?” Jungyeon remarked in her usual jesting manner.

“No, I just-” Nayeon searched for a better way to say it. “I don’t want to keep you here longer than you need to be.”

“I’m in no rush.”

“Yes, but you can’t be chained here forever.”

Jungyeon got up and came closer. “Why are you so keen on thinking that you’re a burden?”

Nayeon looked at her with wavering eyes, both because of their close distance and the question.

“You’re fine.” Jungyeon assured her. “What are you so afraid of? That we’re going to starve? I know this forest well enough, and I can catch another marmot for you if you really are doubting me that much.”

“There’s no need.” Nayeon looked down at her paws.

“Then, there’s no need to think that way anymore.” Jungyeon’s voice softened.

“My leg is getting better though.” The older turned her attention to her injured thigh, trying to distract herself from getting too flustered from Jungyeon’s serious tone.

“That’s good.” The younger nodded but suddenly narrowed her eyes. “Do you want to leave?”

Nayeon blinked, unable to decide whether or not she should tell the truth. Her brain panicked, so she went with something a little easier to explain.

“A little, yes.” She lied.

She saw a flash of disappointment in Jungyeon’s face and instantly regretted it.

“Then, I’ll stick around until your leg heals.”

“Actually, there is no need.” Something was urging Nayeon to shut down their interaction as quickly as possible. “I think I can walk well enough to leave now.”

Jungyeon eyed her suspiciously, causing Nayeon to get up in order to prove it. She steadied her body like the first time she’d done it, then lifted herself up into a stand. She took a few steps to prove that her technique worked.

“Well, I think you would be better off if you could walk a little more effortlessly.”

“But I’m-” Nayeon pried her brain for an excuse. “I need to go somewhere quickly.”

“Oh?”

“I, uh, I have a friend. She’s a loner and as far as I know, she has been trying to find me for a while.”

“So, you want to search for her?”

“Yes.”

“Do you know where she is?”

“I had found some trace of her in Jayrock Territory. I just hope that I get there before she moves on.”

“You want to catch up to her, but you’re planning to get there like this?”

“Um...yes?” Nayeon felt bad that Jungyeon was actually taking her lie seriously.

The younger beta sighed. “Alright, I’ll get you there.”

“Huh?”

“Well, it’s going to take you the entire winter to get there otherwise.”

“No, but I-”

“Get on.” Jungyeon suddenly turned around and sat down with her back facing Nayeon.

“What?!”

“What?”

“Are you insane??”

“I carried you here yesterday.”

Nayeon didn’t know what to say, nor did she really know where this was going to lead. She felt horrible already that she’d lied just because she was too afraid to accept Jungyeon’s company. Now, she made the younger embark on something that would only waste both their times. Then again, there was a small chance that Jihyo might not have gone far. If they did find her, Jungyeon would only need to drop her off then leave. As for Jihyo, Nayeon promised to give her a direct explanation when the other beta leaves. The plan was awful, knowing that she was willing to do all this just to get away from Jungyeon. Still, she couldn’t help it, because her feelings around the other beta were alarming. Maybe it was just deep admiration, but it was the kind that would evolve into something bigger if she stayed. Attachment was a very serious threat to the nomadic lifestyle she was used to, and she always tried her best to avoid it. She just wasn’t ready to handle complex things like love, plus this cold winter should be the only thing taking up all her concerns right now. Besides, Jihyo wouldn’t have the heart to simply abandon her. From the start, they had established a lot of common grounds with each other. Having made her decision clear, Nayeon limped to where the other beta sat waiting. She wrapped her front legs around Jungyeon’s neck and held on when the younger stood up, lifting her back legs with her.

“Am I heavy?” She asked.

“Nope.” The younger replied, then jogged through some of the trees.

Her steps were swift and light that Nayeon was amazed by how much strength she truly possessed.

“Jayrock, you said?” Jungyeon reconfirmed.

“Yes. A little to the north.” Nayeon wasn’t actually sure if Jihyo had listened to her and went north, but it was worth a try.

She felt herself lunged upwards when Jungyeon stepped over a particularly large log, and her muscles tensed as she clung tight onto the other beta.

“Sorry.” The younger apologized. “Though, you might want to hang on just in case.”

Nayeon remained as Jungyeon stepped over a thick fallen branch, then rocked her again by taking a sharp turn. “Wow, you’re making me feel so much safer.”

“We’re almost out.” The younger laughed.

Once they’d made it passed the last cluster of trees, Nayeon felt the midday’s sunlight hitting her back. The sun rays were faint but warm and comforting. Nayeon used her knowledge of the territory to direct the younger wolf, making sure she stayed on the flat terrain and not climb any unnecessary slopes. The wind swayed gently around them, swirling up some snow as it swept across the plains. It was then that Jungyeon’s scent became very apparent to Nayeon. She couldn’t help but rest her muzzle on the side of the younger’s neck, inhaling in her scent. True to her birth, Jungyeon carried the sweet and smoky fragrance of the pines. It was calming, and she didn’t seem to be bothered by Nayeon’s nestling, so the older relaxed herself. The snowy plains ahead seemed endless, but Jungyeon’s footsteps gave her some hope. Her ability to maintain an unchanging jogging pace despite having another wolf on top of her was truly incredible.

~~~***~~~

The air became frigid under the afternoon’s cloudy skies, and the winds sped up to a mild breeze. On the northern front of the Jayrock Territory, Jihyo prowled eagerly across the snowy terrain with light paws. She was excited, for the direction of the wind was blowing towards her and not at what she was after. A gust of scent had also reached her. From it, Jihyo detected a lone caribou and blood. Immediately, she began to track it, following the winding scent all the way to the frozen lake. Ahead, she spotted her prey and stopped. The caribou was definitely injured, limping with its left leg dragging across the snow. It didn’t seem to have seen her, so Jihyo decided to come closer. She was still cautious, eyes watching her prey keenly. Her actions were dependent on the reindeer’s, and she must make herself alert enough to react decisively. She inched closer, keeping a distance to remain undetected.

It was unusual for a caribou to be wandering without a herd, especially in this winter. Still, the luck was hers, and Jihyo knew better than to let an easy meal trot away like that. Ever since the winter arrived, she’d fed on nothing but small burrowing animals which never made a memorable meal. She was determined to succeed, and closer she came with great tenacity. The deer stopped once she was a few feet within range, and Jihyo sprung rapidly forward. She dedicated all her energy to her leg muscles, sprinting effortlessly across the field with intense momentum. This chase wasn’t about stamina. Her prey had an obvious handicap that would ultimately make Jihyo the winner, however, the reindeer was trying hard. It ran with all the might its three legs could give, strutting nearer to the lake as a last attempt to save itself. Jihyo noticed and growled.

She began to leap in order to gain more ground. It made her exhausted very quickly, but she refused to slow down. Her tongue dangled with the shortness of her breathing and ahead of her, the caribou was already stepping onto the ice. Jihyo arrived like a bullet, shocking her prey when she locked her jaw into its injured thigh. The deer was in a stage of pain and panic, wildly scrambling on the slippery ice while kicking its back legs in hope that it could shake her off. Jihyo held firm, tugging the reindeer out of the frozen lake while avoiding its deadly hooves—an unfortunate aim to her skull would end this battle immediately. She struggled with the taste of the deer’s warm blood filling and encouraging her on. Only the prey’s front legs remained on the ice now, but that proved to be just as hazardous when the deer cracked a pit within the ice and forced Jihyo’s jaw to slip.

She actually wasn’t worried, mainly because her prey was now too occupied trying to pull itself out of the frosty water. Jihyo took a step back to give the deer some space and realized that the bank of the lake was deeper than she thought. Once the reindeer its heels to reach dry land, Jihyo bounced right in front of it and snapped at its throat. Another jaw lock, this time with much more devastation as she penetrated its vital blood vessels. The prey stumbled helplessly within her grip, and she dragged it fully onto the bank. Finally, the deer fell with nothing else to save it from the force of Jihyo’s fangs. As for the alpha wolf, she didn’t dare waste another minute before digging in.

It was good, all very good when Jihyo chewed deliciously on the meat she so well deserved. She felt good. Opportunities like these were rare, and she thanked her sharpness that morning for committing her into this track-and-chase. It was a relief to be alive again, to feel alive, and to know that you’ll be alive for much longer. Survival had always kept her going since her puppyhood. Like many of her breed, her fuel to live was deeply rooted in her hunting successes. She would never admit it herself, but Jihyo was definitely a tad more ambitious than other wolves. Things like these really polish up her pride.

It appeared that the alpha was too distracted with her kill to realize that there were strange scents in the air—two to be exact. With muzzle stained in a crimson red, she raised her head and perked her ears to survey the area. There were two beta females lingering around, but they were far enough to give her time to formulate a plan. Jihyo had just started eating, and there was no way she was willing to abandon her kill. Still, the odds of her winning a battle against two were slim. Unless her opponents were weak young wolves, she really wouldn’t stand much of a chance. The party of two were closing in on her and after a frustrated growl, Jihyo spun to their direction. The hair on her back rose but suddenly fell when the figure on the horizon confused rather than threatened her. There were two wolves alright, yet one appeared to be carrying the other. As they moved closer, the pair seemed to be calling out to her or something she couldn’t really tell.

“Jihyo!” One of them yelled.

They were definitely calling her name. She had no idea who, but she did hope that it was one of her siblings. It would be great to reunite and rebuild the pack with what was left of their family. Despite being a loner, Jihyo did believe in strength in numbers.

“Jihyo!” Came another scream, and this time the alpha realized that this wasn’t anyone of her relatives.

The silvery highlights of the wolf calling her never failed to shine in Jihyo’s eyes as the sun reflected off it. Seeing Nayeon again was weird, but seeing her hitched behind a large wolf was even more questionable. Her friend arrived with a bright grin while she stood there with puzzlement. Nayeon stumbled a little after rushing to get off the other wolf’s shoulders, then regained her balance to shoot Jihyo a wink.

“Miss me didn’t ya?”

AN: i'll try my best to update every week. Also look forward to badass Momo later on ;)))