The snow beneath your feet gave way with every step, wind cutting through the endless white around you. You couldn't tell how long you'd been wandering anymore. The trees all looked the same. The sky had gone dark hours ago.

Then came the sounds. The growls, low, distant at first, then closer. Shapes moved between the trees.

Wolf hybrids.

One lunged from the darkness, a burst of orange light suddenly cut through the storm.

"Back."

The voice was rough and low.

A tall figure stepped between you and the creatures, a torch raised in one hand as flames cracked against the cold air. Heavy winter clothes and layered ponchos shifted around his frame while hooves pressed deep into the snow beneath him. Large antlers stretched from his head, shadows flickering across them in the firelight.

The wolf hybrids hesitated.

Another step with another wave of flame. Slowly, reluctantly, they retreated back into the trees.

Silence returned except for the wind.

The strange man stared at where they disappeared before turning toward you. Snow clung to his shoulders and antlers as dark eyes studied you carefully.

"You shouldn't be out here."

He looked confused more than angry.

"Can you still walk?"