Great Bear Wilderness under construction from conception to death

Although capable, she was afraid. Ying continued to back deeper into the creek, her paws numb from the cold. The growing rumble hid the chattering of her teeth, helped to stabilize her quivering frame. 

Arcturus's warning held her for a moment, her eyes shooting toward him with a silent plea. Help me! she begged, quickly retreating back to her defense.

Rosencrantz had never given her a reason to distrust him, but he wasn't the same anymore. He had become someone, some-thing different, and there was no way to predict what damage he might do.

Ying noticed the damage to his eye and wondered, could he see her? Carefully, the warrior began stepping back toward shore, hoping that her steady movements would help quiet the water's parting.