Prince Avenant stepped out from the trees.

He took a quick look at the dead wolf, the blood in the snow, Summer’s scratched face, and the man with the backpack.

He glanced at Summer, steady and direct. “You did well. Shaky hands or not, you didn’t miss.”

Then he turned to Snow White. “You’re right to be careful,” he said evenly. “But he’s carrying medical supplies, not a curse.”

Avenant looked back at Josh. “You got here fast. That tells me you didn’t follow a normal path. Either you’re new to this world, or something changed you recently.”

He looked back to the group. “Either way, arguing won’t help. She’s hurt, and standing still in these woods is a bad idea.”

He gave a small nod. “I’m Avenant. I think we need to deal with the injury and move before something worse shows up.”