Summer’s knees buckled, Avenant moved instantly, stepping forward to catch her before she hit the ground. 

“Stay with me,” he said simply, his tone steady. He looked at Snow White and Josh. “We need to get her out of the cold, now. Help me carry her.”

He glanced down at the blood staining her hand. “We can slow it, but we need warmth and pressure. Josh, your supplies. Snow, make a path, we can’t stay here.”

Avenant repostitioned Summer carefully in his arms. He wasn’t used to carrying anyone, but he didn’t hesitate. “You’re safe,” he said quietly, more to reassure her than anyone else. “Just hold on.”

The woods loomed around them, dark and silent except for the faint rustle of leaves. He took the first steps toward a safer place, guiding them through the forest, careful not to jostle her too much.

“She’s strong,” he murmured under his breath, “and she’s going to make it.”