Footprints in the snow

Imogen does nothing but stare at the water. Slowly, the surface breaks, a snout pushing through, rising up, the head following. A claw grasps at the shoreline and pulls the creature forward, out of the water. It is a scaly beast, like a crocodile, but its scales seem tinted a red that has long since faded. Milky eyes stare blindly up at her as the creature draws a ragged gasp of cold air, then exhales a cloud of steam. She is transfixed as it approaches her, unable to move. In that instant the horse is gone, nowhere to be seen. The lizard rears up and then stands on its hind legs, reaching out a wet claw to touch Imogen on the face.

"Child... why are you here? This story has already ended. There is nothing for you here."

The creature sighs, and crouches back down, turning to the lake.

"Leave us to die in peace. I am too old, and my wisdom has failed me. Leave and go back whence you came."