Duskfire Glacier northbound

he snorted, rough and amused, the sound sharp against the wind as he thundered after her.
you? best me? his voice was gruff, dark as the frostbitten peaks they raced toward. svalla, you barely keep your legs under you.
still, he didn’t push past her. didn’t claim the lead, though he could have—should have. the urge simmered beneath his ribs, the old fire stoked by her teasing grin, by the glint in her eye that no distance or time could dull. but like hell he'd outpace her now.
she was here. that was victory enough.
keep running then, he growled, though the words softened at the edges, warmer than he meant them to be. show me if you're worth keeping.
and when she surged forward, sleek and untouchable, faust just watched her for a breath too long.
then he followed, silent and steady, his heavy steps trailing hers, as he always had.