Twelve

Two weeks later...

Zenesha was with her two friends, Keena and Linota when she scented another nearby. She shushed her friends, giggling at what they were talking about, but instantly focused on the stranger. Her mate, Sven would be angry with her for putting herself in danger like this, but she was a curious creature.

In the distance, she could see for miles, leagues even. Snow was everywhere, blanketed everything. If one was not careful, they would be swallowed up by the slumbering lake beneath. She caught sight of a silhouette on the blinding whiteness and crept towards it. "Zenesha!" Linota hissed.

"Hush," she ordered.

"Zenesha, it could be a bear!"

Zenesha looked at her friends with a dubious expression. "It isn't a bear! It's too small."