Fourteen

Blair

There was something about the enormous wolf that I found oddly comforting. Maybe it was the relief that it had just saved me from death, or the fact that it was one of my kind, I couldn’t really tell.

Or, maybe it was the look in its eyes. In those golden depths, I could see concern, curiosity as it watched me as though it knew me. Either way, as it turned to leave, I knew I couldn’t just let it walk away without expressing my gratitude.

“Wait.” The words were out before I could even think. It carried an edge of desperation too - I didn’t want to be left alone again. The wolf stopped and turned its large head in my direction.

I took a deep breath and forced my feet to move. If I was going to say thanks, the least I could do was show that I wasn’t terrified. Well, I was, but that’s beside the point. As I approached, it turned fully and sat on its hind legs, waiting, head cocked to one side. It was truly a magnificent creature, its pure black fur gleaming under the lights, looking