32: Rogue Encounter

JONAS POV

As I continue to rode out, a chill crept over me, a silent alarm whispering of another’s presence watching me. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon; it wouldn’t be long before the creatures of the night emerged from their hiding places. To make matters worse, the distant human village was still nowhere in sight.

Transforming into my wolf form is a gamble I’m reluctant to take. The mere thought of confronting those blood-thirsty creatures sends shivers down my spine. The fear of being easily overpowered is a terrifying reality. My only option is to spur my horse into a faster gallop, praying that we can outpace the looming threat ahead.

And so, I do just that. The worn heels of my boots dig into the horse’s heaving sides with a force born of desperation. “Faster, boy!” I yell into the wind, my voice raw and ragged, mirroring the wild beat of my heart.

Even though I had already crossed halfway through the border, an eerie sensation of being watched from the tree line