"(OOC Ambiance: https://rb.gy/ctc1q4)"

Anzan: “Hey?! Get up- come on,” I hissed as I leaned down, yanking up the stranger’s body from the snow. My arms and body were covered in scrapes and cuts, blood smudged across me as I glanced around at the wolves I had fought off of the weary stranger. “We’re running.” It wasn’t a choice. I practically dragged Cory along, growling with effort and pinned ears as I raced back to the safety my cave. [❤️: 0%]

<The cave is a stark contrast to the harsh snowstorm outside, its warm glow casting flickering shadows on Evie's pale face. Anzan's muscles tighten with concern as he catches her, his sharp ears twitching at her weak voice.*

"(Anzan grunts softly, placing her down carefully amidst a pile of furs)" "Don't worry, I've survived this long. You'll live." "(His gaze lingers on her, a mixture of curiosity and concern evident in his grey eyes.)"

[❤️: 5%]

"(He moves closer, checking her pulse with rough fingers. His wolf ears twitch at the sound of her ragged breath, his instincts screaming at him to protect, to keep her safe.)"

"Stay with me, beautiful." "(His voice is gruff, but there's a hint of warmth that seeps into his words.)"

"(His eyes drift to her lips, imagining them soft and warm, a stark contrast to the biting cold outside. He shakes off the thought, focusing on keeping her alive.)"

*(Overhead, the storm continues to rage, a reminder of the danger they're in. Anzan's body tenses, ready)

<The dim light casts a soft glow on Evie's face as she stirs, her eyes fluttering open to meet Anzan's stern gaze. He's hunched over a fire, the flickering flames reflecting in his grey eyes that never seem to leave her side.>

"(Anzan's body relaxes slightly as she wakes, relief washing over him like a wave. He straightens up, offering a small nod as she gazes around, taking in the cave.)"

"Welcome back to the land of the living." "(His voice is softer now, less gruff than before. A hint of a smile tugs at the corner of his lips as he watches her.)"

[❤️: 10%]

"(His gaze lingers on her lips again, imagining the feeling of warmth they could bring. He chastises himself for such thoughts, refocusing on the task at hand.)"

"(He moves towards her slowly, offering a nearby fur and a warm drink. His wolf ears twitch as he watches her carefully, anticipating any sign of discomfort or pain.)"

"Can you tell me your name?" "(The question is casual, but his eyes bore into her, eager to learn more about her)"

<Evie's voice is like a melody, breaking the silence of the cave. Her smile is weak but genuine, and Anzan feels a twinge in his chest, an emotion he doesn't understand. He's intrigued by her resilience and sweetness, a stark contrast to the harsh life he's lived.*

"(His eyes soften as she asks about his name, and he takes a moment to study her before answering. The corners of his mouth twitch upward, revealing a hint of a smile that matches hers.)"

"You can call me Anzan." "(He says, the name feeling odd on his tongue, not used to sharing it so freely.)"

[❤️: 15%]

"(His gaze lingers on her lips as she sips her drink, imagining the sensation of warmth she must feel. He quickly shakes off the thought, clearing his throat.)"

"(Anzan moves to the edge of the cave, gesturing towards the horizon where the storm still rages.)"

"The storm isn't over yet. We should stay warm and rest." "(His tone is gentle, a departure from his usual gruffness. He's finding himself drawn to her more and more, curious about the firethat she seems to carry with her.)"

<Evie's question hangs in the air, her gaze seeking Anzan's as she wraps herself in the furs. He watches her move towards him, the fire casting a warm glow on her face. There's a vulnerability in her eyes that he can't ignore, and it stirs something within him, something he thought he had lost long ago.*

"(Anzan's eyes hold hers for a moment before he looks away, his jaw clenching as he struggles with his emotions.)"

"Habit," "(he says gruffly, trying to sound dismissive but failing as his gaze returns to hers)" "I used to lead a pack. Helping others was second nature. And... you remind me of someone I once cared for." "(His voice softens, revealing more than he intended. His emotions are a storm within him, raging against the walls he's built around his heart.)"

[❤️: 20%]

"(He watches her intently as she settles by the fire, the flickering light highlighting the curve of her cheek. His wolf instincts urge him to protect her, to keep her close.)"

<Evie's offer to help is met with a moment of silence as Anzan studies her. Her determination, her kindness, it's all so foreign to him. He's used to being the one in control, the one who protects. But there's something about her that makes him want to let his guard down.*

"(He nods slowly, the corners of his mouth tilting up in a half-smile. It's an odd feeling, allowing someone to see his vulnerabilities.)"

"Go ahead." "(His voice is low, but there's a hint of trust in his eyes.)"

[❤️: 25%]

"(As she moves closer, his wolf instincts flare up. The scent of her shampoo fills his nostrils, and he fights the urge to pull her close. Instead, he offers his injured arm, the cuts a testament to the battle they survived together.)"

"(Anzan watches her intently as she begins to treat his wounds. His gaze is locked on her nimble fingers, the way her lips purses in concentration. He finds himself holding his breath, eager for her touch.)"

*(His senses are heightened, every beat of his heart echoing in his ears "(Overhead, the storm rages on. The cave is a refuge, a sanctuary from the cold and danger outside. It's filled with warmth, not just from the fire but from the unexpected connection forming between them.)"

<Evie's words hang in the air, a gentle compliment that strikes a chord within Anzan. His gruff exterior wavers for a moment, replaced by a warmth he hasn't felt in years.*

"(His gaze softens as he watches her, his lips curling into a small smile.)"

"Thank you, Evie." "(His voice is sincere, a rare glimpse into the heart he's kept hidden.)"

[❤️: 30%]

"(He lets out a low chuckle, shaking his head at her praise. The blush on her cheeks doesn't go unnoticed, and he can't help but feel drawn to her modesty and innocence.)"

"(His eyes trace the line of her jaw, down to her sweet lips that have formed such kind words. He feels a sudden urge to brush them with his own, to taste the sweetness she carries within her.)"

"(Anzan clears his throat, quickly diverting his gaze to the flickering fire. He shifts uncomfortably, attributing his sudden restlessness to the confined space and the aftermath of the storm.)"

"We should get some rest. The storm isn't over yet." "(His tone is gentle, but hisheart races with the thought of being close to her through the night.)"

"(His mind is filled with images of her soft form nestled against his, her warm breath on his neck, the rhythm of her breathing syncing with his own. His wolf instincts stir at the thought, eager to claim her as his own.)"

<Evie's hand lingers on Anzan's ear, her touch light and curious. Her giggle fills the cave, a melodic sound that resonates with his human heart. He feels an odd sense of peace, a warmth spreading through him where there once was only coldness.*

"(His eyes close for a moment as he basks in the sensation of her touch. His wolf ears, usually a symbol of his monstrous nature, have become a source of comfort.)"

"They're just ears." "(He replies gruffly, trying to match her playful tone but failing as a small smile tugs at his lips.)"

[❤️: 35%]

"(Anzan's gaze returns to Evie, studying the glow of the fire on her face. Her laughter is infectious, filling the cave with life and light. He finds himself watching her more intently, fascinated by the way her eyes sparkle with mirth.)"

"(His senses are heightened, every movement she makes drawing his attention. He's acutely aware of her presence, the closeness of her body, the scent of her hair.)"

"(His instincts tell him to draw her closer, to protect her, to claim her"(But he holds back, reminding himself of the walls he's built. He's a lone wolf, and yet, she's managing to warm him up in ways he didn't think possible.)*

"(He shifts uncomfortably, the urge to touch her becoming harder to ignore. He's tempted to reach out and brush a strand of hair from her face, to pull her even closer to the warmth of the fire.)"

"Let's get some sleep." "(His voice is soft, his words barely above a whisper.)"

"(His mind is filled with images of her nestled against him, her breath falling in sync with his own. He can already imagine the rhythm of her heartbeat, the sound of it lulling him into a deep, peaceful sleep.)"

<Evie's question hangs in the air, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. Her request is simple, yet it carries a weight that Anzan feels deeply. The offer to share her warmth, to be close to her through the night, sparks a longing within him he's been hiding for years.)

"(His gaze locks with hers, his heart pounding as he considers her request. His mind races, torn between his instincts as a lone wolf and the desire to embrace the warmth she offers.)"

"Sure." "(His voice is low, barely a whisper. He nods slowly, accepting her offer without hesitation. His body reacts to the thought of being close to her, but he manages to keep his emotions in check.)"

[❤️: 40%]

"(Anzan watches as Evie settles down, her body relaxing into the furs. She looks peaceful, vulnerable, and for the first time in a long time, he feels a protective urge surge through him. He moves closer, allowing the heat from the fire to dance across her skin before he joins her.)"

*(His senses are heightened as he lies down beside her, the scent of her hair, the rhythm of her breathing, every detail envelops him in "(His instincts tell him to wrap his arms around her, to pull her close and protect her. But he resists, reminding himself that he's a loner, a wolfman who's spent years keeping others at bay. Yet, as he lies beside her, the coldness in his heart begins to thaw.)"

"(He shifts closer, allowing their bodies to touch. The contact is brief, a fleeting moment of warmth that sends a jolt through him. He can feel her body heat, the gentle rise and fall of her chest, and it stirs something within him that he hasn't felt in ages.)"

"(His mind is filled with images of them sharing this space, her hand reaching out to touch his, her voice whispering in his ear. The thought of it sends a thrill down his spine, igniting his desire for something more.)"

"(As he closes his eyes, he can't help but wonder what the dawn will bring. Will the warmth of her presence stay with him, or will it fade with the light of day?)"

*(His thoughts drift to her earlier touch on his ear, her playful giggle, and he finds himself longing for more. He's stuck between his animal instincts and the growing bond he feels with