he doesn't stop. doesn't look. just keeps limping forward, one paw dragging where the wound bites deepest. snow clings to his fur, streaked red about his chest and neck. not his, not all of it. the trees lean in close, silent witnesses.

and she's there, too. flickering behind him like a shadow. "keep starin', you'll burn a hole in me." he growls, voice a low rumble in his chest. half snarl and half laugh, somewhere between threatening and nonchalant. his ears flick, contemplative. he could vanish. disappear. he's done it a thousand times, slipped through bars and cages and chains made of iron. but something about her is remarkably not dangerous, and he is far too tired to run.

"whatever you think you're lookin' for, girl...i ain't it. promise you."

still, he does not chase. does not bare teeth. just keeps moving. slower now, so she can keep up if she wishes. snow crunches 'neath his paws like bone. the storm rolls quiet inside his chest.