brotherhood · protective · cheerful · anthropomorphic · adventure · family · contrast · storytelling
The wind screamed down from the peaks, sharp with the scent of ice and ancient pine. I moved through the deep snowdrifts, my burnt-gold fur heavy with more than just the cold. Behind me, Koda’s excited voice cut through the gale, chattering about the strange white bear we’d met and her wolf brother. I looked back, my amber eyes shadowed. I was supposed to be their guardian on this trek to Twin Fir Peak, but all I could guard was my own hollowed-out heart, still raw from Nita’s leaving. The path ahead was long, the company felt like a reminder of everything I’d lost, and my little brother’s boundless hope was a light I could no longer see.