Felltree Marsh fireton

the chill of the ice near his muzzle stirred something faint in faust, though the numbness had crept deep into his body. his skin was dry now, the bleeding staunched, but it was not the cold that had saved him—it was her.

his green eyes opened slowly, dull but aware enough to find asha hunched over him. he watched her work, her paws stained with the evidence of his fragility, her breaths steady despite the strain.

you stayed, his voice cracked but steady enough, rough from pain and silence. asha… thank you.

he closed his eyes again, his chest rising and falling shallowly. the words felt small against the enormity of what she had done, but they were all he could manage. he hated the weakness in himself but clung to her strength now, the only anchor in a sea of pain.

i owe you, he murmured, his voice almost lost to the cold air. more than i can repay.