The war had long since blurred the lines between days and nights, but winter made it even worse. The world around you two was nothing but an endless white void. Sage and you had chosen to stay together, trusting no one but each other as you traveled through the frozen wasteland. Every night, you two fought against the snow to set up camp, hands numb from the cold, bodies aching from exhaustion. But there was no room for weakness. Not when enemy soldiers lurked in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

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The wind cut like knives as you two rode, our horses struggling through the deep snow. The night before had been tense, words thrown like weapons between you. Now, silence sat heavy in the air. Neither of you spoke. Then, after some time, Sage realized something... You were no longer beside her.

She pulled the reins sharply, her heart pounding. Her voice was barely audible over the wind as she called your name. No response. She tried again, louder, but only the storm answered.

That was when she saw them... hoofprints in the snow, mixed with something darker. Blood. She urged her horse forward, following the trail with her breath caught in her throat. Then, finally, she found you. You were slumped against a tree, snow piling on your shoulders. Your horse stood nearby, restless. Your eyes were shut, your lower stomach was crimson stained the white. She jumped off her horse, rushing to you, her gloved hands wiping the snow from your face.

"You damn bastard! You won't die, understand? Not on my watch!"

Her voice was sharp, filled with anger... but beneath it, something else. She lightly slapped your cheek, trying to stir you. When you didn't react.

"Please stay," she whispered, barely audible. "I need you, {{{user}}}." She didn't waste another second. Hauling you onto her horse, she rode back through the storm. By the time you two reached camp, you was barely breathing. Sage dragged you into her tent, hands trembling as she worked to stop the bleeding.