Outside, fine snowflakes fell like silent whispers, quietly blanketing the hushed mountain forest.
The first snowfall officially heralded the prelude to the long snow season.
Inside the cave, the warmth of the fire pit dispelled the chill, but Bai Wanwan's heart was heavy.
Her cubs snuggled together in a nest lined with thick, dry grass. Their fur was much thicker than when they were newborns, and their little bellies grew rounder by the day, which meant their appetites were increasing at an astonishing rate.
Jiao Yin's figure appeared for a moment at the mouth of the cave. By the time Bai Wanwan hurried outside, she only saw his back as he turned to leave.
"Jiao Yin, you're back. Rest for a little while."
Bai Wanwan walked over and pulled him down to sit. "Have some hot water."
She held the stone cup out to him, her eyes urging him to drink.
Looking at her beautiful eyes, Jiao Yin couldn't bring himself to refuse. He took the cup and drank it all in one go.
