Shady

She shook her head. “That’s too hard.”

“I don’t know… bear tree… stories.” She was at least making an effort to be more alert now, though it was weak.

“What story?” She groaned; she didn’t feel like telling any stories.

She opened her eyes enough to glare at him. “No biting. You promised… you can’t break… like… Tomhas broke… you can’t break… I need… I need someone to tell me… ...

“Mm.” Her eyes fluttered open enough to peer up at him. He seemed so far away. Like a dream. “I’m not sure… this… real.”

“I’m awake,” she murmured again, even less convincing than the last time. “I’m super awake. Just… tired. Long walk… cold… snow… stubby legs… with… far… okay… awake… no slee

“Mmhmm.” She nodded, but didn’t open her eyes. “I’m okay.” Her words were slurred. “I’m awake.”

She shook her head slightly; she didn’t have the energy to explain all that. She felt herself drifting.

“I tried,” she murmured. “He stopped talking to me to come… to…” she wiped at her face. “Maybe I should leave him alone. I seem to bother him.”

Ky nodded again, letting her eyes flutter closed. “Definitely seems easier.”

She nodded weakly. “…I tried the same thing, I guess… but he’s… he’s got kids. And… a territory. And… a wife. He… he shouldn’t…” she was trembling now that the ...

“Okay.” She nodded and relaxed against his chest, trusting him fully with her body weight. She was vaguely aware that he’d lied before — he was going much faster now ...

“… thank you.” She hesitantly stumbled towards his arms, losing coordination. She should have asked for her coat back. “How far are we?”

She hesitated. He wasn’t wrong. “…are you sure? You’ve got to be tired, too.”

Ky watched them for a moment, then let herself drop to the ground. Her knees buckled as she hit and she fell over, then pushed herself back up. Her entire ...