Jan and Jen were lucky, they couldn’t be hunted or killed. They were afforded loopholes and special waivers. They were allowed a sanctuary license, even though it was only within the confines of their own home.

If any creature, wounded while trying to escape confinement, made it to their stoop, they were free and all brands removed. Now here one lay on the snow with Jan and Jen trying to communicate a way to save this massive beast. It was too big to move and still alive.

Weaver’s feet pounded the snow as he sprinted onto the scene.

Jan couldn’t see. He saw with his hands. Slime. Thready pulse. Five heartbeats. He heard a wheezing and rattling. He could hear the crows diving. He swatted at the disturbances in the air with a large branch. He caught their scent every now-and-then, so Jen must be doing a good job at keeping them away too.

Jan heard a pounding and knew it was Weaver. He turned towards the sound and raised his branch.

Weaver saw Jan raise his branch and slowed. Something’s not right.