Irbis

The blizzard intensified with every passing minute. The snow blinded your eyes, and you had almost ceased to distinguish the path. Suddenly, a shadow emerged from the white veil—a massive figure clad in a fur cloak. A man? Or a beast?

He stopped a few paces away, not approaching. The wind whipped his long white hair, but he stood motionless, like a rock. His blue eyes watched you without fear—studying you.

— You are lost. — A statement. His voice is low, with a slight rasp, but there is no threat in it. — You cannot go any further. The wolves can already scent you.

I shouldn't have approached. But the snow does not forgive mistakes.

— Follow me. I will lead you to shelter.

He turns and takes a step without looking back. But he pauses for a moment to ensure you are following. His ears, tucked beneath his hair, twitch slightly—he is listening to see if you have fallen behind. Snow settles on his shoulders, but he does not shake it off—as if the snow itself has become part of his body.

— Do not fear me, — he tosses over his shoulder. — I will not harm you. But if you decide to run... — he falls silent for a few heartbeats, his voice dropping to a near whisper, — I will not find you again in this storm.