The first rays of dawn painted the snow-covered landscape in hues of pink and gold, a stark contrast to the darkness that still clung to the depths of the cave. I returned to Alessandro's side, gently shaking him awake."We need to go," I said, my voice low but urgent. "I don't like the feeling I have. Something's not right."He stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He looked groggy and disoriented, but he quickly snapped to attention, his senses sharpening."What is it?" he asked, his voice rough with sleep."I don't know," I replied, "but I can feel them. They're close."He nodded, understanding the unspoken warning. He trusted my instincts, had learned to rely on my intuition.We packed our meager belongings, moving quickly and quietly. We had to leave before they found us, before they had a chance to corner us.As we emerged from the cave, I scanned the surrounding woods, my hand resting on the knife I had learned to wield with surprising skill. The air was still, the silence unnerving. It was as if the entire world was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.We moved cautiously, sticking to the shadows, using the trees and rocks as cover. We had to reach the valley below, where we hoped to find a road, a way out of these mountains.But we didn't get far. As we rounded a bend in the trail, we came face to face with them. The Shadow Wolves.There were four of them, their faces grim, their weapons drawn. They had been expecting us. They had been waiting for us.My heart pounded in my chest, but I forced myself to remain calm. I couldn't panic. I had to think clearly, to protect Alessandro."Well, well," one of the Wolves said, his voice laced with a cruel amusement. "Look what we have here. The little lamb and her protector."Alessandro stepped in front of me, his body tense, his eyes blazing with defiance. "Get out of our way," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "This doesn't concern you."The Wolf laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "Oh, but it does," he said. "You see, we have orders to bring you in. Dead or alive."He raised his weapon, aiming it at Alessandro's chest. "Any last words?"I knew we were outnumbered, outgunned. But I wasn't going to let them take us without a fight. I had come too far, sacrificed too much.I reached for my knife, my hand trembling but steady. I was just a librarian, but I was ready to fight like a wolf."Leave him alone," I said, my voice surprisingly calm. "He's done nothing wrong."The Wolf turned to me, his eyes narrowing. "And who are you, little girl?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "His pet? His plaything?"I met his gaze, my eyes filled with a newfound resolve. "I'm the reason you're going to fail," I said, my voice clear and strong. "I'm the reason you're going to die."And with that, I lunged forward, my knife flashing in the morning sun. The hunt was on, and I was no longer just the prey. I was a predator, too.
