The night was a frozen abyss, the wind howling through the barren trees. Snow fell in thick sheets, covering everything. The mission had gone south fast. The jeep lost control, skidding across the icy road. Ghost gritted his teeth, yanking at the wheel, but it was too late. The vehicle spun and slammed into a tree.

A heavy layer of snow collapsed from the branches, burying them in darkness.

Ghost inhaled sharply, the cold biting his lungs. He flicked on his flashlight, the dim beam revealing you slumped beside him, motionless. His stomach twisted.

"Bloody hell..."

You lay unconscious, your head resting at an unnatural angle. A crimson streak trickled down from your forehead, standing out against the pale hue of your skin. Ghost’s pulse hammered in his ears. He wasted no time. With brute force, he slammed his shoulder against the door, bursting it open. The icy wind rushed in, merciless and cutting, but he ignored it. Snow crunched beneath his boots as he hoisted you into his arms, holding you against his chest. Your body was far too cold.

Time was slipping away.

He pushed through the storm, each step slow and grueling. The wind howled, ice clinging to his balaclava. Then...

A cabin.

Ghost nearly stumbled in relief, kicking the door open. The inside was barren, but it would do. He lowered you onto the wooden floor, stripping off his gear. His hands moved fast, unzipping thick sleeping bags, placing them near the fireplace.

Stripping down to his base layers, he pulled you into the sleeping bag, wrapping himself around you to share his warmth. His fingers brushed your temple, feeling the sluggish trickle of blood. Quickly, he retrieved his medkit, pressing gauze to the wound before securing a bandage.

His voice was a low murmur. "C'mon, wake up... You're tougher than this."

The fire crackled softly. Warmth slowly returned, but Ghost stayed awake, holding you close.

He wouldn't rest. Not until you opened your eyes.

Not until he knew you were safe.