The night air was freezing, a steady blanket that didn’t hold any heat but instead captured the cold. Dalnim huddled against the base of a tree, curling tightly into a ball as she rubbed her arms vigorously before pressing her hands against and breathing out strongly. The heat lasted for only a moment but soon disappeared. 

She shivered constantly and every part of her yearned for a warm bed to collapse on. Strong, she had to stay strong and persevere through the night. 

It was only one night, Dalnim reassured herself, resting her head against her knees, black hair falling over her face momentarily, the cold, wet strands sticking uncomfortably to her skin. 

The sound of nearing footsteps had her head snapping up. A person out in the woods this late at night? 

Run.

Hide.