"My feet hurt," she said quietly.
Alina's eyes flashed with worry. She looked down at Luna's legs, at the way she was holding her weight off one side, at the scrape on her knee already starting to redden.
"Can you stand?" Alina asked.
Luna tried.
She pushed herself up, but the moment she put weight on her left foot, she winced and stumbled. Alina caught her immediately, wrapping an arm around her waist.
"Okay," Alina said softly. "Okay. I've got you."
She pulled Luna into her arms, lifting her gently. Luna was light, so Alina carried her easily. Luna curled into Alina's chest without protest, her small hands gripping Alina's shirt.
"Let's get you to the nurse," Alina said.
Luna didn't argue. She just pressed her face against Alina's shoulder and stayed quiet.
Alina walked quickly, her steps steady, her arms secure around the little wolf. Behind her, the race continued. Children cheered. Feet pounded. But Alina didn't look back. She carried Luna across the field.
