Permafrost Hollows We All Float Down Here

minor pp with permission

As soon as he heard the yells, Alarian began to frantically dig at the dirt. Several times his paws hit rocks and broken branches, leaving them raw and bloody when he finally touched something soft. The boy stopped and peered down, glimpsing white fur and feeling his heart quicken.
Korei! He exclaimed, digging more at the dirt around her until enough of her showed for him to grab her. Ali clenched his teeth around the skin he was able to grab, taking care not to bite hard enough to break skin, and brought his paws up to push the dirt away while he pulled. It took less force than he thought it would, and a moment later they were both launching backwards onto the ground.
The boy scrambled to his feet and covered Korei's face in desperate, worried licks. Are you okay?