Avenant looked down when Summer began to move. 

“You fainted,” he answered. “Lost blood. The cold didn’t help.”

He slowed just enough to make sure she was really awake, then nodded. “You’ve been out a few minutes. We’re moving to get you somewhere warmer.”

He glanced back at Snow White and Josh as they followed. “There’s an old hunting shelter not far from here,” he added. “Stone walls, low roof. It won’t be comfortable, but it’ll block the wind.”

His eyes returned to Summer. “Try not to move too much. Keep pressure on the wound.”

To Josh, he added, “When we stop, I’ll need bandages and something clean.”

The forest became darker the farther they went inside.  “You did the right thing back there,” he told Summer. “The wolf would’ve killed one of you if you hadn’t acted.”

Ahead, through the trees, a darker stone shape became more visible.

“We’re almost there,” he said. “Just stay with me.”