As they walked back toward the White Wolf village, Madison couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. Madison's legs felt like lead, each step a monumental effort as the adrenaline faded from her system.
Wald walked beside her, his presence a steady comfort. He seemed lost in thought, his brow furrowed as he no doubt replayed the events of the past few hours in his mind. The silence between them was thick with unspoken words and shared concern.
As they crested the final hill before the village, Madison stumbled, her exhaustion finally getting the better of her. Wald's arm shot out, catching her before she could fall. "Easy," he murmured, his voice gentle. "We're almost there."