She steps into view. Massive. The size of a horse. Fur like fresh-fallen snow, gleaming faintly in the moonlight. Her breath clouds the air in soft puffs. She must be ten times larger than a normal wolf. This is no simple trick. This is Seidr magic, born of the old world. Her eyes carry wisdom. The wisdom of nature. Of the wilds.
“Who did you think it was, Ki?—”
A sob tears out of me. There is hope. There is fucking hope.
I run forward. No time for doubt.
“Please, Ylvin, I… Help me.”
I crash into her chest. She’s so warm. Her fur is so soft. A spicy scent fills my nostrils, a musky weight. It feels safe. My shoulders relax for a second. The first painless breath for hours. The wolf lowers her head, laying some of her weight on my shoulder to return my embrace. I’m not even sure if I deserve this. After the ruin I’ve brought.
Our moment is interrupted by a howl from below. A tortured scream accompanied by crashing trees. The sound vibrates through my bones. Even Ylvin stiffens beneath my hand. Fuck.
“Move!” I shout as I find my way to Ylvin’s side, tugging at her fur to get there faster. I don’t wait for her to kneel or invite me. I just scramble onto her back, my hands shaking so hard I slip. The hammer thrashes against the necklace in my satchel. I’m grateful Ylvin dips to accept me.
“No yanking!” her deep voice growls.
“Go! Please!”
She snorts, hot breath combating the cold mountain air. Ylvin explodes into motion without another word. Such speed. I hold on for dear life. I’ve never moved this fast. Letting go means getting my head bashed in. Ylvin’s muscles gather under me like coiled rope, flexing with every leap. The world blurs. Trees fly by as she launches up the slope, her paws barely touching the ground.
Throwing a glance behind me, I see Ari crushing trees as he advances. His shape grows smaller as the distance widens. He is too slow. Too clumsy. The forest and slope hinder his advance. His gait falters as he struggles to climb the mountain’s incline. Ylvin is too fast. We’re escaping.
I allow a spark of hope to bloom in my chest. If Ari follows, maybe his energy will run out. Maybe he will become himself again. I press my heels into Ylvin’s sides like a rider on a horse.
“Woohoo! Faster, Ylvin!”
“Watch your feet!” she snarls.
But she grunts and picks up speed. Weaving between rocks and roots with effortless precision. Her long body stretches in powerful strides. Wind blasts my face, cooling the burning skin where Vidar landed his blows. Ylvin’s pace forces tears from my eyes.
Ari bellows, but his voice is farther now. Fainter. Or maybe it’s the rush in my ear from Ylvin’s sprint. By the gods… we might just survive.
Trees thin as we crest a ridge. Only birch surrounds us so high on the mountain. The familiar sight of the lavvus and fire warms my heart. We’ve arrived at camp. As angry as I was when I stayed here, now it brings back fond memories. Safety.
Ylvin slows before lowering herself, allowing me to slip off her back. My knees buckle. My legs barely remember what the earth feels like.
I throw myself around Ylvin’s neck, squeezing her as hard as I can.
“Thank you so much,” I whisper.
She growls deep, but it’s warm, not menacing.
Elof stands in front of the fire, eyes closed and arms folded across his chest. It’s like he’s preparing. Like he knows what’s coming.
“Elof,” I pant and step toward him. I’m so relieved. Even Elof should get a hug of gratitude. But Ylvin’s wolf-voice stops me.
“He needs to concentrate.”
Elof doesn’t budge. No movement. He just stands there, shirtless like always, even in this bitter wind. The air feels dense around him, harder to move through. I turn and give Ylvin a quick nod.
“And… Eidunn?” I ask.
Ylvin’s gaze turns to her own lavvu. And there I see her. A trembling silhouette in the entrance, wrapped in a blanket thatswallows her thin frame. Pale-faced and worried. Her eyes widen when she sees me.
“Kilda?” she whispers.
“Eidunn!” I shout and run forward, opening my arms and grabbing her in an embrace. Eidunn made it. She fucking made it.
