Philippa opened her eyes with a gasp. The first thing she noticed was the frigid air on her face, biting her nose and making her shiver. The next thing was she was lying in something covered by a blanket that distorted the brightness of the sun. The very last thing she noticed was that she was being moved. Bringing her hands out of the multiple blankets covering her, she felt the sides of the box-like space she was in. Instantly, her fingers turned numb from the cold and she gasped, air biting her lungs.
Carefully, the woman began to sit up, only to silently cry at the pain in her ribs. She grappled at the blanket above her, trying to find a support, but only met with soft fabric. She knew if she completely got out of the blankets, she'd freeze, but she felt as if there was no air in this box. She needed open air, a wider place at least.
She froze at the sound of a bark, then she slowly came to a stop in her box. There was silence for a moment, like she might be alone or like there was no life nearby. But then, she saw the blanket above move and blinding sunlight peeked through a corner, letting in even colder air. She gasped and squeezed her eyes shut.
When she opened her eyes again and looked up, a pair of amber wolf eyes stared back at her from a very black wolf face. Her eyes widened in awe of the creature, having never seen a wolf as beautiful as this. She went to touch what looked like silky fur, only to remember it was a creature of predatory instinct. Her hand jerked away instantly at the thought and she finally remembered to be scared.
The black wolf gazed at the woman sitting up in the sleigh, amazement and joy beating in his heart. He watched her face watch him in wonder before turning fearful. He heard her gasp of realization of what he was and his ability. But that did not stop him from leaning his head towards her and nuzzling her chin affectionately. This action made her relax and smile, so the wolf did it again, this time licking her nose.
When he pulled back, he saw her reach up and run her fingers through his fur, reveling in the warmth and softness of it. Her touch was light and tentative, but quick. Before he could start to enjoy her delicate touch, she jerked her hand back. He whined softly and was rewarded with a smile from her. Raising a brow, she tilted her head in question. The black wolf nudged her hand for her to touch him again. Her smile widened and she obliged him. For a long silent moment, they just enjoyed each other, the wolf watches her intently as if she might disappear.
A bark of warning sounded that startled the girl, making her jump and wince in pain. Eyes full of fear, she looked around, but couldn't see the other wolves from where she was, so the black wolf nuzzled her reassuringly and turned his head to the male grey wolf who was gesturing for them to leave. Huffing, the wolf agreed and made the woman lie down, licking her cheek then pulling the top blanket over. The last thing he saw was her worried hazel eyes watching him.
Philippa fell asleep while the black wolf pulled her along. She didn't feel afraid of him because something was familiar about him, she couldn't quite put her finger on. When she woke up, it was in darkness and something heavy on top of her. She moved her head and felt fur tickle her nose. A smile bloomed on her face as she wrapped her thin arms around the black wolf. A rumble vibrated his chest as he lifted his chest and looked down at her.
Philippa smiled even wider and waved a hand to say hello. The wolf licked her palm and sat up. The woman frowned, thinking he might go away, but all the wolf did was grab something behind him and hand it to her. She took it and found something warm steaming in a metal cup. She set it down beside her and tried to sit up, only to gasp in pain.
The wolf growled and she glanced at him in fear. Realizing what he just did, he leaned forward and lowered his head. Philippa tentatively reached out and touched his head, but he nudged her hand to his neck. Confused, the woman pulled her hand back, but the wolf whined and licked it, obviously wanting her to do something.
Putting her hand on his neck, she waited. The wolf licked her other hand and she put that up there too. The wolf put his head on her shoulder as if comforting her, so Philippa wrapped her arms tightly around him and buried her face in the fur of his neck. Immediately, the black wolf pulled up and she let go instinctively.
Her light fall back to the blankets was enough to jar her ribs into pain. She opened her mouth in a silent scream as tears slipped down her face. The wolf rubbed his cheek against hers in apology and lied down, letting her calm down. She wiped her tears away and stroked his head in forgiveness. The black wolf gazed into her eyes, and tried to tell her something, tried to make her understand what he wanted, but to no avail.
Huffing, the wolf jumped out. Philippa felt herself go heavy with dread at his leaving, not wanting to be alone anymore. She liked his company, liked his affectionate nuzzles and licks. His amber eyes were soft and attentive, comforting, and warm. She didn't want to be away from them.
Suddenly, she felt hands go under her arms and sit her up. She gasped in pain, but it was gone as soon as it came. She was leaned back on the wall of the little box like structure and a pillow to rest her head on. But, when she looked up to see who had helped her, the person had already disappeared. She grabbed her steamy cup and started sipping it, tasting broth that made her stomach beg for more.
A moment later, the black wolf was back and gazed at her with curiosity in his amber gaze. Philippa stared back in fascination and wonder. Taking another sip of her broth, she smiled at the wolf and held out the cup for him. He sniffed it, but pulled away, wrinkling his nose. Philippa gave a gasping sound that was supposed to be a laugh and stopped when the pain in her ribs became unbearable. The wolf nuzzled her dress, trying to get to her skin, but the woman batted him away.
She shook her head and waved a finger at him. He snorted in response and used his teeth to tug at the fabric without trying to hurt her in any way. Philippa gasped again and heard the defining sound of a brief tear before ice chilly wind bit at her skin. She shoved the wolf away and hugged herself, trying to warm up again. The black wolf wouldn't have it and moved her arms with his nose, then started licking her wound.
Stunned into silence, Philippa didn't move as the creature gave gentle licks and breathed stifling air onto her skin. The wolf made a rumbling noise in his throat before moving his head up and licking her still bruised cheek. Philippa made a weird face at him, but this didn't dissuade him from his work.
Finally, he pulled back and looked at her in amusement. Philippa glared at him, but it was only halfhearted. She drank the rest of her broth and carefully laid down again. The black wolf made sure she was covered up before lying down on top and resting his head on her shoulder. Philippa wrapped an arm around his neck, grateful to have his presence and warmth, but lonely and confused about where she was and why she wasn't with Jacqueline.
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