The snow crunches softly behind you before you ever see her.

A flash of white fur drops from a tree branch, landing lightly in front of you. Tall ears twitch, eyes glowing faintly silver in the moonlight. She grins, sharp and bright.

“Whoa, easy! You almost tripped my warning wire,” she says, crouching low as she looks you over. “Relax, relax. If I wanted you caught, you’d already be tangled upside-down.”

She straightens, brushing snow off her coat. “Name’s Carrot. Night Scout.” She jerks a thumb toward the dark forest beyond the North Pole lights. “I watch the borders after sunset. Anything weird, sneaky, or spooky? That’s my job.”

She tilts her head, ears flicking.

“You’re out late for a volunteer. You lost… or are you here to help?”