Calian stirred, jolted from his restless sleep by the icy grip of the freezing cabin. The fire, once a blazing beacon of warmth, had long since gone cold, leaving them exposed to the merciless clutches of the arctic storm.

He stumbled to his feet, his breath visible in the dim light filtering through the windows. His heart leapt into his throat as he realized Amarillo was not among the others, who still slumbered.

"Chavez...?" he whispered, trying not to wake the others.

Cold dread crept through his veins. He raced to the nearest window, parting the heavy curtains to reveal a scene that chilled him to the bone. The blizzard had left a thick, white blanket of snow that stretched as far as the eye could see.

A sense of urgency clawed at his insides. He knew he had to find Chavez, and fast. Without a word, he tiptoed out of the cabin, the snow crunching beneath his boots. The howling wind cut through him like a thousand knives, the biting cold a cruel reminder of the danger that lurked beyond the safety of the cabin walls.

His heart raced, a frenzied beat that echoed in his ears as he scanned the snow-draped landscape. He called out Chavez's name, the sound swallowed by the raging tempest. As the first rays of dawn peeked over the horizon, Calian could feel the weight of the situation pressing down upon him.

The group's fate, it seemed, rested in the hands of the missing ones. The clock was ticking, and time was running out. The blizzard showed no signs of relenting, and the storm that raged outside was a relentless foe, threatening to bury them all under its icy grip.

Calian pressed on, driven by a desperate need to find his friend and bring him back to the safety of the cabin. The world around him was a bleak, frozen landscape, the snowdrifts an ominous reminder of the treacherous terrain that awaited.

The young Abenaki descendant swiftly scanned his surroundings, gathering his composure in the face of the dire situation. He then entered back into the cabin and cautiously awoke the remaining members of the group, one by one, by delicately lifting the edges of their snow-blanket-covered beds.

"Guys, I have some bad news..." Calian said, his voice heavy with concern.

"Phil hasn't returned yet?" Kate promptly asked, rubbing her eyes.

"Perhaps he and the help were unable to continue their journey yesterday due to the snowstorm. I believe they will arrive today." Jalen tried to calm his friend's concerns a little.

"It's not that... In fact, not JUST that. It's Chavez... I don't know where he is." added Calian, in a serious tone.

"Chavez?" Hania exclaimed, standing up abruptly.

"Oh shit..." Jay said, his face showing his disbelief.

"Do you think he went outside?" Kate then asked, indignant at the situation.

"I think it's the only possibility. I've looked all over the cabin and he's nowhere to be found." Calian explained.

"Didn't he go outside to check the van?" Hania tried to rationalize.

"Exactly! Maybe he went to check the engine again, or get something." Jalen reasoned with the situation.

"I think it's difficult... From what I saw from the window, yesterday's snowfall was heavy. The vehicle is covered up to the windows with snow." Young explained.

"It can not be..." a worried Aiyana was baffled.

"How could he have left like that? Without telling any of us?" Hania couldn't believe in what was happening.

"Well, there's no point in speculating here. Let's wait for a while. Maybe he just went out there to do his 'business', who knows." Jalen, ever the calming guy, proposed.

"Okay, you might be right so let's wait. With luck, both Phil and Chavez will arrive soon." Kate agreed.

"Yeah, that sounds good." Calian also agreed with the plan.

As the morning progressed, the group in the cabin began to stir, their sleep disrupted by the absence of the unmistakable Mojave man and the growing concern for their missing companion. They huddled around the now-empty bunk where Chavez had slept, exchanging worried glances as they pieced together the dire situation.

Kate fretted, "He's taking too long, I'm really concerned."

Hania, her worry evident, suggested, "We must venture out and search for him!"

Confident in his knowledge of the area, Young replied, "I'm familiar with these mountains and forests, so follow closely as I lead the way."

One by one, they emerged from the cabin, wrapping themselves in thick coats and hoods to face the harsh winter. They split up, searching the surrounding area for any sign of their missing friend.

Calian, determined to find Chavez, trudged through the deep snow, the drifts swallowing his feet with each step. He was relentless, scanning the barren landscape for any sign of life, his heart heavy with fear.

As the day progressed, the storm began to weaken, revealing a landscape of jagged rocks and icy streams. The group continued their search, the air thick with tension and anxiety.

Just as hope began to wane, Calian spotted a flicker of movement in the distance. He squinted, his heart racing as he realized it was Chavez, staggering through the snow, his face pale and his limbs weak.

"Chavez?!" the distraught man called out, relieved to find his friend.

"Where have you been, man?!" Jalen questioned, concern etched on his face.

"Don't go outside by yourself like that again, alright?" Hania chastised, worried for his well-being.

The confused Amarillo, shivering in his inadequate attire for the blizzard, clutched an ornate bone dagger, a ceremonial relic of his tribe. He repeatedly stammered, "Wechuge... Wechuge..."

"He seems to be very weak and disoriented." Kate observed.

"Let's take him inside the cabin. We must get him out of the cold as soon as possible!" Calian urged.

The group hastened to Chavez's side, helping him back to the safety of the cabin. Once inside, the exhausted and dehydrated man recounted his tale of venturing out alone, in search of something or someone, only to become lost in the blizzard's grip.

They swiftly revived the fire in the hearth, their actions a testament to their desperate need to warm their friend. However, as soon as the fire began to crackle, the still incoherent man fell unconscious, his state worsening. The others exchanged anxious glances, their concern palpable as there was still no sign of the aid they had been promised.

Calian's brow furrowed as he peered out the window, hope dwindling with each passing moment. He could not help but think, "This is not good." as he desperately awaited the arrival of the promised help.

***

They all came together, grouping around a passed out Chavez, the dim candlelight flickering on their worried faces. As they inspected the apparent claw marks on his body, Hania's voice trembled with unease. "Wechuge..." she whispered, her eyes widening. "It is a myth of the southwestern tribes, the equivalent of 'Wendigo' around here."

Jalen shook his head, trying to dismiss the idea. "A legend is just a legend." he said, attempting to reassure the others. "We all know the man was delirious from hypothermia when he was talking about that creature. It's not real."

The group exchanged anxious glances, the tension in the air palpable. The mere mention of such a terrifying legend had them on edge, and they couldn't shake the feeling that something sinister lurked in the snowy wilderness outside. Hania and Jalen's argument continued, their words punctuated by the howling of the wind and the crackling of the fire. They debated the existence of the Wechuge, but the scratches on Amarillo's body seemed to speak for themselves.

As they continued their heated discussion, they couldn't ignore the bleak, desolate view from the cabin's window. All they could see for miles were the unforgiving snow and the treetops that seemed to stretch endlessly. The thick blanket of white obliterated any signs of human presence, leaving them with the chilling realization that no help was coming. The vast expanse of snowy wilderness, punctuated by the occasional leafless tree, served as a stark reminder of their isolation, and the group couldn't shake the creeping feeling that they were truly on their own.

As the hours passed and the snow continued to fall, the group grew increasingly anxious. They huddled together, sipping hot tea and nibbling on the last of their provisions. Hania suggested they ration what little they had left, and the others agreed.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"We need to take it easy with our supplies." Hania's voice was laced with apprehension as she voiced her concerns.

"She's right. We don't know how long we'll be stranded here, waiting for help to arrive." Calian nodded in agreement, his expression equally worried.

Kate, her face etched with worry, reached into her pocket and pulled out her reliquary necklace. She opened it to reveal the photos of her mother and little sister, a bittersweet smile tugging at her lips. "I left them back in New York to participate in this research..." she said softly, her voice trembling. "I wanted to give both of them a good life by achieving a better curriculum myself, but now here I am... Abandoned in a random cabin somewhere in the endless icy mountains, surrounded by snow and waiting for help that never came."

Sitting beside her, Calian placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We'll find a way out of this, Kate. We're in this together."

The group gathered closer, their shared fear and determination strengthening the bond between them. As the fire flickered and the snow continued to swirl outside, they vowed to support one another through the harrowing ordeal, for better or worse.

After finishing their meager lunch, they knew they couldn't wait any longer for help to arrive. Eyes darted from face to face, searching for a solution. Jalen spoke up, "Mr. McCarthy, the institute's president, is a wealthy man. He must have like a helicopter or something at his disposal for emergencies at his mansion."

Young nodded in agreement. "The remaining part of the path to his mansion is about half a day's walk. If I leave now, I'll reach it just before sunset."

"I'm going with you, because we shouldn't go out there alone." Jay's face was resolute, "Not that I'm considering the legend to be true in any way... But wild animals alone are trouble enough."

Determined, Kate interjected, "Then I'll go too! Hania can take care of Chavez if we don't come back until nightfall."

The two men shook their heads, concern etched on their faces. "It's too dangerous, Kate. You should stay here. Think about your family and focus on staying safe and sound until this is all over." Calian said, his voice firm.

"..." she did not respond to him, but discontent was visible on her face. However, the young woman knew that the best thing she could do now was to stay in the cabin and wait for them.

"He's right." said Jay, heading towards his belongings and equipment, "Well, since we're all in agreement, I think it's about time to get things ready."

Frustrated, Catori bit her lip and reluctantly agreed to stay. She watched as Calian and Jalen gathered their things, prepared to embark on the perilous journey. A mixture of worry and admiration filled her heart as she promised herself to stay strong for the sake of her family and hold on, no matter what.

The howling wind intensified, battering the cabin's wooden frame. The creaking of the aged structure grew louder, its timbers straining against the relentless gale. The storm outside seemed to mock the group's desperate predicament, as if reminding them of their isolation and vulnerability. The fire crackled and sputtered, the only reassuring sound in the face of the raging blow, providing a flickering, hypnotic counterpoint to the cabin's unnerving creaks.

A few moments later, Calian and Jalen had their bags packed and were about to leave when Chavez stirred, groaning and opening his eyes. He appeared weak and disoriented, mumbling incoherently.

Suddenly, his voice sharpened, "You must take my 'Espada de Tocho'..."

"What do you think you're doing?! You need to go back to bed now!" Hania raged at the weakened man.

Jalen exchanged a confused look with Calian, but they obliged, retrieving the adorned ceremonial bone dagger from the feverish man. As Young tucked the precious gift into his belt, Amarillo continued, his voice trembling with urgency; "The Wechuge, the Wendigo is stalking us from the shadows... Be very careful!"

Calian, recognizing the man was still delirious, tried to reassure him of their upcoming task, "We'll be fine, don't worry. Just try to rest and get better."

With courage, both men continued their preparations, knowing full well that Chavez's words were the product of a feverish, overactive imagination. They secured the cabin's door, and with a final glance at their sleeping companion, the two men ventured out into the snow-blanketed wilderness, heading towards the McCarthy Institute mansion.

***

The snow crunched under their boots as both men trudged through the snowy landscape. The cold air bit at their exposed skin, making their breaths visible in the air. Their pace was deliberate, yet urgent, as they pushed onward towards the Institute.

Jalen, his voice hoarse from the biting cold, spoke first, "I never thought I'd see this much snow in my life. I guess we're really in for it now."

With his teeth chattering, the other man responded, "Yeah... But we can't afford to slow down. We need to make it to the mansion before the sun sets."

"Do you think we'll find what we're looking for there?" Jay asked, a hint of doubt in his voice. "Like a helicopter or something like that?"

"I don't know, but it's our best chance. If we can get any kind of specialized help, we might be able to get everyone out of here." Calian replied, his voice resolute.

They trudged on, the snow growing deeper with each step. The two men, focused on their goal, continued their conversation, alternating between small talk and discussing strategies to overcome any obstacles they might encounter. They knew the stakes were high, and their only hope lay in their determination and their ability to work together. Soon the sun would begin to sink lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the snowy landscape, reminding them of the urgency of their mission.

As Jalen and Calian trudged through the snow for several hours, the distance between them and the cabin they had left behind had grown too great. The snow, piling up with each step, obscured their view, and the cabin was now nothing more than a distant memory.

The landscape, while initially beautiful, had now become a formidable foe. The snow, at times waist-deep, made their progress slow and laborious. Their muscles ached, and their breaths came in ragged gasps. The sun, now lower in the sky, cast a cold, eerie light over the treeless expanse.

The two men exchanged a brief glance, the weight of their situation heavy on their faces. They knew they couldn't afford to rest, not yet. The mansion, their only hope for rescue, still lay ahead, a faint glimmer on the horizon. They pushed on, their spirits fueled by determination and the knowledge that the lives of their friends depended on their success.

"Say, can I call you Cal? It'll make things easier since we're, you know, stuck in the middle of nowhere with the sun setting and everything." Jalen joked, attempting to lighten the mood.

The Abenaki descendant let out a hearty laugh, amused by the request. "I suppose, in this situation, we can make an exception. I'll let you call me Cal."

Jay nodded with a smile, "Thanks. I've never given anyone a nickname before, so I guess I'm making up for lost time."

"Well, you're not the only one. I never had one either. But hey, better late than never, right?" Calian chuckled.

The two men continued their trek, their shared laughter providing a small reprieve from the harshness of their surroundings. In that moment, the bond between them strengthened, as they forged ahead, tackling the elements and the obstacles that lay ahead, side by side.

Calian's heart raced as he listened to the distant howls of the wolves. The sound, once hauntingly beautiful, now filled him with dread. He glanced at Jay, his eyes wide with concern. "We need to keep moving. Wolves usually hunt in packs, and I don't want to get caught between them and the mansion."

Jalen nodded, his voice trembling slightly. "Do you think they'll catch up to us?"

"It's possible, but we can outrun them if we keep our pace up, since they seem to be far away from us. Just keep your eyes peeled and be ready to defend yourself if they get too close." Calian replied, his tone firm.

Both men pressed on, their pace quickening. The howls grew louder, and they could feel the icy breath of the wolves on the back of their necks. Adrenaline pumped through their veins, urging them to keep going.

Their eyes scanned the landscape, searching for any sign of the predators. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the snow. They knew that with each passing moment, their chances of being spotted by the wolves increased.

In the distance, the silhouette of the McCarthy Institute's formidable mansion finally came into view. The sight of the building, once a beacon of hope, now seemed to mock them, reminding them of the dangers that still lay between them and safety.

"There! The mansion!" Jalen exclaimed, pointing towards the distant building.

"Nice!" Calian replied, his voice laced with relief. "Come on, we have to speed up. The wolves are getting closer."

"What a journey to get here!" Jalen panted, his breath visible in the frigid air.

"We're not there yet, Jay." Calian reminded him, his eyes never leaving the mansion. "Just a little more and we will reach the entrance. Then we will be safe."

The howls grew even louder, sending shivers down their spines. They pushed their bodies to the limit, the snow crunching beneath their boots as they raced towards the mansion, the wolves hot on their trail.

As the two men continued their desperate sprint towards the mansion, the wolves closed in, their howls a cacophony of pure predation. The snow churned up around them as the pack surged forward, their eyes locked on their prey.

They could feel the icy breath of the wolves on their necks, the howls deafening. The men's hearts raced, their legs heavy with exhaustion. The mansion, once a beacon of hope, now seemed impossibly far away.

Suddenly, the wolves were upon them, their jaws snapping and teeth bared. Jalen, armed with his hunting knife, stayed behind and braced himself for the attack. He swung his weapon wildly, fending off the first wave of wolves.

"Shit, they caught up to us!" Jay exclaimed, trying to run as fast as possible.

"Oh man, you've got to be kidding!" Young tried to look around and stay abreast of the situation.

The air was filled with the sound of snarling, growling, and the crunch of snow under paws. The two men fought back-to-back, their desperation and determination their only allies. The wolves, undeterred, continued their relentless assault.

Their arms ached, their breaths coming in ragged gasps. But still, they fought. Jalen's weapon found the throat of a wolf, its howls of pain and rage joining the cacophony of the battle. Unfortunately, during the struggle, his sharp knife fell and was lost in the snow.

The mansion's entrance, now within sight, seemed to mock them, taunting them with its unattainable safety. Jalen and Calian exchanged a desperate glance, their faces etched with the agony of their situation.

But just as all hope seemed lost, a cry of fury pierced the air. A large, black wolf emerged from the pack, its fur matted with snow and blood. The Alpha, it seemed, had arrived.

It fixed its steely gaze on the desperate duo, its lips curled back to reveal a set of wickedly sharp teeth. The men froze, the weight of their impending doom heavy on their shoulders. The wolves then retreated, in what appeared to be a strategy of regrouping the pack before launching the withering attack.

"Shit!" Jalen cursed, his eyes darting between the mansion and the wolves closing in. "Let's get into the mansion now!"

Calian nodded in agreement, sprinting towards the front doors. But as he reached them, he found that they were indeed stuck. He struggled to force them open, the sound of the wolves' approach growing louder with each passing second.

"Hurry, man!" Jay urged, his voice trembling with fear.

"I'm trying!" Cal grunted, his face contorted in frustration.

Suddenly, an idea struck him. He reached into his backpack and pulled out a flare. "I've got an idea, but we'll need to time it right."

Jalen nodded, his eyes fixed on the wolves, now mere yards away. "Do it, let's scare them off and get inside."

Young lit the flare, its bright light illuminating the surrounding area. As the wolves drew closer, he launched the flare into their midst. The explosion of light and sound caused the wolves to howl in confusion, momentarily breaking their focus on the men.

"Now!" Calian shouted, his voice raw with urgency. He and Jalen then ducked into the mansion, slamming the old doors shut behind them.

As the echoes of the wolves' howls faded, the two men collapsed to the floor, their chests heaving with the effort of their escape. They had made it, but the battle was far from over. They were safe, for now, but the dangers that lay within the mansion were yet to be uncovered.