85

Outside, the night was darker than ever, and the sounds of the forest seemed to envelop us, amplifying the sense of impending danger. As Kessler carried me in his arms, I could see the others following: Marco, Rick, and Lucas, all tense and alert.

"What's happening?" I asked weakly, trying to stay conscious.

"There's more to this than we thought," Kessler replied, his voice firm but worried. "The amulet... it's not just an object. It has a power that many desire."

We ventured deeper into the forest, tall and dense trees surrounding us, casting unsettling shadows. Suddenly, a howl echoed in the distance, followed by others, like a sinister symphony drawing nearer.

"The pack is here!" Lucas exclaimed, looking into the darkness. A group of wolves emerged from the trees, their eyes gleaming with determination. Kessler, the alpha of the pack, approached the lead wolf, the same silver-gray wolf we had helped before, and gave a nod of recognition.

"We need your help," Kessler said, looking a