In the midst of the forest shrouded in thin fog, visibility was becoming clearer, but the grim and eerie atmosphere only grew more intense. Sena was still engrossed in chasing her purple butterfly, but slowly her consciousness returned. The butterfly's charm seemed to evaporate, leaving her in confusion.
"Where... where am I?" she murmured, her voice trembling with fear. The memory of being hypnotized while chasing the butterfly sent shivers down her spine.
Her eyes darted around in panic, trying to recognize the unfamiliar surroundings that enveloped her.
Suddenly—
—GRRRAWWWL! A low growl vibrated through the air, sending waves of fear throughout Sena's body.
She froze in place, then slowly—very slowly—turned her head toward the source of the sound.
From behind the dark bushes, something massive emerged. It was no ordinary wolf. It was a terrifying parody of a wolf.
Its body was unnaturally swollen, muscles bulging like boulders beneath matted black fur streaked with dried blood. A pair of eyes glowed blood-red, radiating pure hatred. On its side, three deep claw marks formed a gaping, glaring wound.
Its mouth hung open, emitting hot, snorting breaths. Long, sharp fangs dripped thick saliva mixed with fresh red stains. But most disturbing was the aura of purple energy enveloping its entire body, pulsating wildly like an invisible flame that distorted the air around it.
Sena couldn't move. Her breath caught, her body rigid as if a single movement could mean her death.
The wolf stepped forward, its movements slow but full of threat. Each paw print dug deep into the damp soil. It circled, watching Sena as if toying with its prey.
"Sister..." Sena sobbed, her body shaking uncontrollably.
The wolf sniffed the air... then suddenly lunged!
But before its fangs could touch Sena—
Whoosh!
Noah suddenly emerged from behind the trees, shoving Sena roughly so that they both tumbled into the muddy ground. With a quick motion, Noah rose and pulled Sena's hand.
"Quick, run!" he cried, his voice tense yet determined.
Sena gripped Noah's hand tightly, and they ran with all their might. They dashed through gaps between ancient trees whose roots sprawled like giant snakes. Noah's breath came in ragged gasps, but his steps remained firm. His eyes continuously scanned their surroundings, searching for shelter that could save them.
They pushed through crevices between ancient trees with roots sprawling like giant serpents. Noah's breath was labored, yet his steps remained steady. His eyes kept exploring every corner of the forest, seeking a refuge that could save them.
I don't want to die... I don't want to die... Why was I so brave? Noah muttered to himself, his breath growing heavier with every step.
Suddenly, the wolf burst through the underbrush. Leaves and twigs flew torn into the air. Noah and Sena zigzagged between tree trunks, using the forest's density to slow their pursuer's advance.
But the wolf moved agilely like smoke—weaving between trees without losing momentum. The purple energy radiating from its body left toxic trails that withered leaves instantly.
"This... is impossible..." Noah hissed, a bitter taste filling his mouth as he realized their helplessness.
The wolf shot forward like a black arrow, its claws tearing through the damp earth. Noah felt the hot breath on the back of his neck and reflexively pulled Sena aside.
BAM!
The massive body crashed into the tree where they had stood moments before. The bark split like thin paper under the force of the impact.
RAWWWRR!
Its roar of anger shook the forest as it turned to search for them. This time, it moved faster—its muscles tensed, purple energy flickering between its matted fur.
Noah looked around in panic. His eyes caught a narrow gap between two giant trees. An idea formed in his head.
"Keep running straight ahead!" he whispered, deliberately slowing his pace. His heart pounded wildly as he felt the monster's presence drawing closer... three meters... two meters...
Now!
With a sudden movement, Noah grabbed Sena and slid to the ground. The wolf leaped over them, but too wide—its large body jammed between the two tree trunks. The old wood creaked under its weight.
Sena sobbed, her breath choked with fear.
Without wasting time, Noah pulled her up. But they had only run a few steps when a terrifying sound of splintering wood echoed.
KRAAK!
Behind them, the wolf freed itself with doubled fury. Shards of bark flew like grenade fragments.
Noah turned sharply, but his foot slipped on the muddy ground. When he looked ahead, his chest tightened—they had reached the edge of a river cliff. The raging waters below foamed white, roaring menacingly.
"No..." Sena whispered, her face pale as paper.
The sound of the wolf's growl grew closer. Its eyes glowed like embers, its mouth dripping saliva mixed with blood. It advanced with determined steps.
"The wolf is getting closer!!" Sena screamed, her voice nearly lost in panic.
Noah turned slowly—and instantly time seemed to slow down.
In his widened pupils, the terrifying shadow was reflected perfectly: extended black claws like daggers slicing through the air, yellowish-brown fangs stained with blood, and wild pulsating purple energy like mad flames.
Everything appeared so clear, as if time moved in slow motion. A moment before the claws could tear into him, Noah took a step back—right at the edge of the fragile cliff.
KRRAKK!
The ground beneath them collapsed like torn wet paper. Sena's scream was cut short as their bodies were thrown into the chasm.
I almost died… Noah murmured, his eyes still wide in disbelief.
BAM!
The raging river water greeted them with a biting cold kiss that chilled to the bone. Air was forced from Noah's lungs like shattered glass, stabbing with sudden pain.
The powerful current immediately dragged Noah and Sena mercilessly. Their bodies slammed against slippery rocks, skin torn, breath gasping in the stabbing water.
Noah struggled to grab Sena's hand, holding it tightly. "Hold on to me! We have to get out of here!" he shouted, his voice nearly drowned by the roar of the water.
"I... I can't!"
"You have to!"
Noah's resolve hardened. He pushed his feet against a large rock, trying to turn their bodies, searching for footing. "One step... one more step..."
---
With a deep breath, Noah mustered his remaining strength. One strong push finally flung them onto a shallower bank. Their bodies rolled onto the ground, covered in mud, gasping for air.
Sena vomited water, her entire body shaking uncontrollably. Their breaths were equally ragged.
"So... why did you go into the forest alone? If it weren't for me, you—!" his voice was firm though his body still trembled.
"I... I don't know," Sena answered between sobs, her body shivering violently. "I only remember chasing a butterfly, then suddenly I was in the middle of the forest. I... was scared."
Noah's expression softened. He looked at Sena's pale, wet face.
"We'll go home together. So you have to stay brave," he said, offering his hand.
Just at that moment, The wolf's roar shook the forest. Its sound waves cut through the fog, causing leaves to fall. Purple energy swirled wildly from its throat, emitting a piercing smell of sulfur and old iron.
Noah swallowed hard, "For now... we're not safe yet," he murmured warily.
---
The sound of the roar echoed through the forest, threading through the gaps of old pine trees, until it reached the ears of two figures on the eastern side. They paused for a moment, holding their breath.
"Haru," Allen said, looking toward the source of the sound with a serious expression for the first time since morning. "I have a bad feeling."