Snowred

❄ Chapter 5 ❄

The dagger feels right in my palm, it's not only a weapon, it's also somehow connected to my new purpose; killing Snow. So, in some ways, it's a part of me now.

I plan on waving it around in a second once the wolves catch me. However... such a plan is not needed, as there is a strange calm behind me.

I dare spin to check and what I see is worse than the wolves chasing me.

A diversion.

I see the last wolf turn and follow the rest down the nearest green slippery slope full of melting snow. My eyes follow them to see what exactly has completely compelled them off track from me.

It's a group of four horsemen wearing the Queen's banners. They carry a chest between them.

Though the horsemen wear large swords, it's noting to stop the silent wolf warriors.

The horses react first, rearing - yet it does them no good.

I can only watch for a couple of moments.

The very second I see a head go flying from Snow's red jaws, the same time a horse is completely slaughtered by the rest of the pack - then I am turning and sprinting once again.

It's a spontaneous ambush - but also a vile display.

I think Snow wants me to hate him - he certainly didn't hesitate in showing his violence, did he?

The only benefit is misconstrued freedom on my part.

I try to run to safety while I have the chance, winding down a different track.

I don't get far until I realise my mistake.

If I run, I'll be caught anyway; just later. If I maintain the bargain... with the monsters... they'll be forced to pour me a bath, talk and drink tea with me.

Ridiculous. I know. But I also feel something strange flutter in my chest.

A pull, almost, back to the den.

I turn my head at that moment of quick reflection and I see the den in the near distance.

Okay. I'll talk. If I can keep my cool.

I try to pretend the bloody rampage isn't happening while I trudge the last few steps to the den and open the door tenderly.

When I walk in, my anxiety increases.

I start with nervous habits.

I try not to think and I don't really, not when I'm running around folding blankets, picking up dirty laundry and popping it in a bucket. I find a broom and I start sweeping. I find hooks in the wall and I hang up their coats they don't seem to use but rather sleep upon.

Now that it's sunny and warm, there is a distinct change with magic in the land. A powerful change.

For whatever reason, I was connected to the fate of Snowred and his pack and I needed to be here.

I would take this opportunity to get to know them; and possibly befriend the monsters of the De-Iced Valley. Perhaps I could even reunite Snow with his old family. Perhaps, I could also prove that I was not a hunter.

That one eyed raven cawing at me to kill him, constantly, gave me an insatiable desire to prove everyone wrong.

I didn't even completely understand my own logic, I just feel like I know where I should be.

And I needed to be here... 

...near Snow.

Speaking of the devil.