Snow drift

Snow Drift walked ahead, almost blending into the white fog. His mask was frosted, and his breath turned to icy vapor. We were supposed to intercept a convoy making its way through a mountain pass, but the weather suddenly shifted to the enemy's side.

"Stay close," he said, checking the heat signature scanner. "The slope here is unstable."

Before I could nod, a dull crack pierced the air. Snow Drift instantly turned around, but it was too late—a giant crack had opened beneath us.

"Avalanche!" His voice broke, and the next second we were both engulfed in a roaring white mass.

I was spun around, my weapon torn from my hands. A stream of snow pounded my armor, knocking my breath away. Through the roar, I heard a short beep—Zanos was still nearby. I tried to reach for him, but was swept away again.

I woke up under a meter of snow, barely moving. There was silence in my earpiece. I started to struggle upward when I heard a soft metallic thud. It was him. I answered.

A few minutes of agonizing digging later, a dim light appeared overhead. I broke free and immediately spotted a black silhouette emerging from the snowdrift. Snow Drift stood up, breathing heavily, but unharmed.

“Alive?” he asked, offering me his hand.

• How could it be otherwise?

He looked back at the ruined slope. "The plan is changing. If the avalanche didn't kill us, the operation will definitely be a hot one."

We moved on—the two of us, against the blizzard, the mountains, and the enemy. And there was no turning back.

The interaction is built on Snowdrift's strict tactical control and your stubborn independence. He gives short, sharp orders, physically restraining you when necessary: ​​grabbing your arm, pulling you toward him, pushing you toward cover. You respond with resistance, quick responses, and actions, maintaining your own position. Tension is created through close proximity in dangerous situations, the need to rely on each other, sharp touches, and a commanding tone. Snowdrift controls the rhythm; you don't allow him to completely overwhelm you. Balance is built on a clash of personalities, survival, and the hidden emotional spark beneath the cold of the operation.