A Story of War: Prolouge

The cold... It slowed their every move, every thought. The only warmth they could see was the pack around them. 7 wolves, shapeshifters. Frightening, but their only hope of survival. A small child looked around, repeatedly counting the wolves, afraid they would leave, hoping they would stay with them... Suddenly, only six. Did she miss the white one? Was she losing her vision because of the blinding snow? She counted, again and again. No, there were only six. Fear gripped her, and she stopped moving. Suddenly, the big black male came up from behind and pushed her gently, kept her moving. She knew if she stopped for too long she'd die. But why did the white one leave? Was something wrong? They said they would never leave until they were safe! Why did she leave? The male kept pushing her, kept her alive. "Why did she leave?" the girl whispered. The male only woofed gently and pushed yet again. No mind-thoughts this time. Another pause, another push. A pause, a push. The game when on for a while, and still no return of the white wolf. "where is she?" the child asked again, barely a murmur over the howling wind. The male sighed and picked her up in his massive jaws by the back of her jacket, and swung her onto his back. They had fallen behind. Too far behind. Jogging, he caught up with the others at the front of the group. The girl made to slide off his back, so as to not be a burden, but a whisper of "stay" floated through her mind. The child settled down, warm at last.