Swiftcurrent Creek Frostfall

It was not long before the dark boy lifted his head to find the figure of an unfamiliar woman. She gazed at him with surprise. Nicodem traced lines through the freckles that adorned her face. His expression lacked curiosity, but the inky child felt it stir in the pit of his belly.

Fearless, he marched toward the stranger. No, he had not come across this wolf before. She carried kindness in her eyes. It was curious to notice this. Jakoul had not been a woman with a kind face. Her features were sharp and watchful. The darkness of her coat aided such wildness.

Lifting his head, Nicodem sniffed at the woman. His dark tail wavered.