Moonlight spilled across the ground and crickets chirped in beat to the wind. It was cool and water from a previous rain clung to leaves and grass. Winter had only recently started to make an appearance, it’s cold fingers pressing to the back of people’s necks and slipping through opening doors.

Stars sat in the sky, frozen in an explosion of light and sky. Clearer than it’s been in months, I found it the perfect night for star gazing.

I’d snuck from my room, easily sliding past the sleeping forms of wolves and silently skidding down the grassy hill. A blanket wrapped tightly around my slim shoulders, I shivered as clouds puffed from my mouth.

I sat on the damp ground, back leaning against the chilly bark of my favorite tree. It had the perfect amount of shade during the summers and grew lovely apples every spring. Its branches hung low enough to climb and there was a notch of roots that acted like the perfect bench.

I smiled silently up at the silent moon and winking stars, warmth filling my chest despite the cold seeping into my skin. I sighed, relaxing fully and admiring the view.

The sleepy stargazing was interrupted by the sound of footsteps. I twisted around, grinning as I searched for Max’s approaching form. The smile slid off my face like tar as I stared at the shivering form of my sister. Her hair was matted with blood and her clothes were filthy. Gasping, she stumbled, and I rushed forwards to help her. I threw my blanket over her hunched form, hands gripping her wrist to prevent her from falling to the ground. I winced, her skin was as cold as ice.

Licking dry lips and ignoring the intensifying cold, I lead her towards the tree and propped her up against the bark. I brushed hair away from her forehead and felt tears prick my eyes at the discoloring to her roots, she was far too young to be getting grayed hairs. I saw her mouth open, but her teeth were chattering too violently to make out any words.

“What is it?” I asked, gently placing my hands on her shoulders. “T-tell me.”

“He’s coming.” She whispered. “He’s coming for you.”

Fear slammed into me like a freight train, and I was suddenly falling. I jerked up from my slumped position, frantically looking around at my still surroundings. My hands trembled, and I drew my blanket tighter around me, teeth clanking together uncontrollably. I stood on unsteady legs, intent on slipping back to bed and sleeping off the apparent nightmare.

A hand on my side made me jump, I strangled yelp leaving my lips. I flushed when I realized it was only Max, eyes alight with worry. Relief flooded me, and the sudden spike in adrenaline left me exhausted. I melted into his warmth and pressed my cold face into his neck, feeling much better.

“M’ alright.” I mumbled. He nodded, his chin resting against my curls. Max led me back inside, guiding me firmly back inside the dark cave. I swayed lightly but remained upright. When we were back in our room, Max sat on the bed and situated me in his lap.

I blushed but tucked my face under his chin, the shaky fear from the dream slowly losing its grip. Dozing, I was aware of Max Leaning back and draw the blankets over us. He kissed my forehead and held me tighter. I wiggled into a more comfortable position and sleepily pressed my cheek against his in a lazy nuzzle.

“You’re cute.” he whispered into my hair. I slapped a hand on his chest, too tired to inflict any real harm and grumbled quietly in response. Chuckling, he dug his fingers into my hair and lightly scratched at my scalp. Practically purring, I leaned into the touch and let the last of my fear evaporate.

He loved me, he was staying. Max was safe, Max was my home.

I peacefully drifted off to sleep, happy to not be alone.