“Hey, Jacard, we’re heading for a run up into Canada, want to join us?” Elef removed his clothing. “I don’t want to ruin yet another set of clothing when I change. My Ma is upset that I tore through three shorts this month.”

“I do not have a spirit form? How can I keep up?” Jacard looked north into the clouds.  His eyes got moist at the thought. “Looks like there is a storm coming. This could be bad timing.”

Elef ignored the storm comment. “Do not worry, we will try not to go fast, or at least I won’t. Don’t fret about the change. Not everyone gets their spirit early. Ole Ben didn’t get his bear spirit until he was in his 20s.”

Jacard sighed. “I may never get a spirit. I am only one-half spirit walker, and being one-fourth vampire, and the rest human does not help.”

Two Giant wolves appeared out of the forest.

Elef took off the rest of his clothing.  He stored it in a Knapp sack tied around his leg. “Looks like the rest of the gang is here. Even if you do not have a spirit, you still run faster than any human. Plus, regardless, we will always be friends.”

Jacard stretched his tall, lean frame to limber up. “It is exhilarating running with you guys.”

The other two wolves, High Tower and Daniel, nodded and took off.

Elef’s body shimmered for a moment. He exploded, leaving a giant jet-black wolf. He winked at Jacard and bound after the others.

Jacard leaped. Running after his friends on only two legs.

They ran for hours. The snow was coming down strong now. It whipped across the landscape with no regard of any kind.

“Elef, wait up. Can you hear me?” Jacard yelled into the wind at his friend. Looking into the sky, he slowed down. He averted his eyes from the brightness of the snow cascading down. The wind blew drifts of whiteness across him as his human’s side shivered while the sky grew darker.

Elef slowed down and turned back to look, shaking the snow from his coat. In wolf form, he could not communicate with words. He responded with a quizzical look. He continued, gave a small woof to encourage Jacard to continue.

Jacard could not make out their forms anymore. The snow had grown so thick. “High Tower and Daniel are so far ahead that did not even hear me.”

Jacard debated. If I turn back now, I will never hear the end of it, or worse, they may not invite me to join them again.  He pressed on.

High Tower speaking to the pack. “The snow is too heavy.  We need to find shelter.”

Elef returned for Jacard. His wolf shimmered and shrunk back to human form. “I am sorry. I checked the weather before I left. There was no mention of a storm. High Tower and Daniel want us to join them. I do not understand the cold never bothered you before.”

“I don’t know something is wrong.” Jacard’s teeth chattered. “I need to turn back.”

“It is too late for that. It is too much, even for the wolves. The mountain ahead will offer us some shelter. High Tower found an area that offers protection. I have to change back.  This weather is cold for me too.  I will scout ahead. Follow me.” Elef changed back to spirit form and ran off.

Jacard attempted to follow Elef but lost him. He looked around.  He could just make out the mountain. As he headed for it, he cried out in pain. His left leg started to spasm. He had never felt anything like it.  Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed his pant leg split open.  What used to be his leg was now covered in something scaley. He toppled into the snow. That could not be good, he thought. “I must be seeing things.” He looked at his leg.  It was normal again. The ripped pants still exposed his leg.

Losing the ability to think, he attempted to stand, but could not. He started crawling towards the mountain. He dragged his unresponsive left leg behind him. In the distance, he heard a howl. Right now, would be an opportune time to share their telepathic bond, he thought. He had never felt more alone.  He almost laughed or cried. He was not sure which. Next, he felt himself tumbling downward in the snow.

Then silence. No more wind. No more snow. No more pain, just blackness. Pure. Quiet. Blackness.