Techno's boots thud against the wood floor as he kicks them off, the door swinging shut behind him.
"I was scouting the property and I found footprints in the snow."

Yours and Phil's heads snapped up to look at him.
"Where?" Phil asked. Techno slipped off his cape and set it aside. "Just left of the eastern property." Making his way across the room Techno latched onto the ladder, heading downstairs.

You had the conversation before about what might happen, no one was sure how fast they would come looking for you but plans had been prepared.
Your gaze flicked over to Phil who leaned against the counter eyebrows knit tightly together.
His white and green bucket hat lay on the counter beside him. Hands clasped together and elbows resting on the granite he rested them under his chin.

"You think they're nearby?"
Phil looked at you, "Maybe," He stood up straight. Grabbing his hat and placing onto his head, creating an ominous shadow over his eyes. Phil makes his way across the room, ladder creaking underneath his weight, He looks at you.
"Stay up here and keep an eye out for any lights outside the window, I'm gonna go talk to Techno."
Nodding quickly you stood and began to make your way around the cabin, turning out lights and locking windows.

Back at the front door you took a seat next to the window. The old dark oak dusty and creaking.
You think about the possibilities of what could happen if they found you, your skin crawls with anxiety.

It's quiet. The low voices of Phil and Techno below you are barely enough to remind you that you are safe. Not used to sitting in the dark alone you start to become hyper aware, every little movement becoming apparent in the forefront of your mind.

Soot jumps into your lap. You jump, a loud "Fuck!" Leaving your mouth. Slapping a hand over your mouth with wide eyes you watch and listen.

"Did you hear that?" A voice asks from outside, muffled by the space between you and them.
Your heart beats rapidly as you watch out the window, holding Soot close to your body. You see their outline against the dark snow, a panic rising in your stomach.

Jolting up with soot on your shoulder you snatch up your cape, sword sheath, and sword.
Attaching the sword to the belt around your waist you clip on your cape.

Sliding down the ladder and landing with a soft thud you spin around and see Phil and Techno, collecting a variation of potions. They both pause and look back at you.
"They're outside," you warned.

Looking at Techno Phil nodded. Techno went past you and back up the ladder.

Phil motioned you towards him. Pulling you against him and hugging you tightly. His warmth engulfs you, calming your frenzied nerves. One hand on the small of your back and the other running through your hair.

"We talked about this days ago, we know what to do,"

Moving his hands to your shoulders he pulls you away looking you in the eyes.
"Whatever happens you stay with me, ok?" You nod, "Ok, I need you to tough it up for me. If you need to, stay down here and breath for a moment to get yourself calm. I know that you can fight, you're capable."
Nodding once more Phil smiles at you. His hand linking with yours for a split second, gently squeezing before making his way back up.

He was right you had no need to be scared. You didn't know what caused you to get so freaked out, whether it be thinking too much or nerves you knew you were stonger than this.