His eyes watch her as she focuses intently on the full pale moon above her through the branches of pine and oak trees. There’s a camera in her hand and an awe-inspired smile on her face. Not once since they met as kids did he think he’d ever interact with her this way. Hell, he was certain he wouldn’t ever talk to her. Not with the way her parents behaved. There isn’t a single person who can say anything nice about her parents, not even her. Whether they wanted what’s best for her he’s not entirely sure, but he knows that she’s so much more than they ever thought she would be.

The camera clicks a few times and she shifts every now and again. That is until a terrified gasp leaves her lips. Her eyes widen, arms lower slowly. Move…run…do something… Fear permeates her to the very core. A small part of her wants to take a picture, but the sheer horror of it all makes her want to flee for her life. It takes him a moment to see what it is she’s looking at, but even he’s terrified when he spots it. Too massive to be anything, but the very creature he’s been warned about. The same malevolent force he’s descendant of. How it had found this little safe haven, even he doesn’t know. What he does know is that it’s taken an interest in her and is now watching her with malicious intent in its eyes, but also a strange curiosity. Neither takes note how its eyes skim over the area stopping briefly nor the blood that covers its fur in a sickly decorative manner. Hesitantly she takes a quick picture and slowly begins to back away from it. She can feel those great yellow eyes on her, feel the way it watches her. Move…you can’t stay here. It’s not safe. Run. Run. Run! A few more hesitant steps and she turns to run, full on sprinting. He catches a glimpse of what looks to be a wicked grin on the animal’s face, before turning himself and following behind her. Not the best decision, but it’s too late. That thing knows he was there. Both their scents carry on the wind, this much he knows. Not soon after he can feel the ground shaking beneath his feet. It takes everything the two have not to trip over anything as he grabs a hold of her hand, tugging her in a different direction from home. She’s confused but follows him. No time for questions right now.

“Shit…this wasn’t supposed to happen! Not here not now! Fuck!”

How quickly the evening went from being calm and peaceful to the worlds worst nightmare. A chilling howl tears the night air in half. Too close…it’s way too close! How do you outrun something that size?! Stumbling near blindly through the dark doesn’t help them at all. Also, there’s quite the size difference between them and it. Another howl fills the night sky as if reminding them that they’re truly being hunted down by something nothing nature never intended. As the night stills dread intensifies. Stopping, the duo turns to look around. Lungs praying for air. Nerves dancing anxiously. Bending at the waist she eyes him out the corner of her eye.

“What…”

The rest of her sentence is lost in her throat. That’s more than enough for him to figure out that pausing where they have wasn’t a very good idea.

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“We have to split up at some point. When we do, find another way into town. Take a longer route than normal and don’t go through the woods. Don’t stop for anything and don’t look back.”

“Why?”

“Just do it okay.”

For a moment the female just eyes him, before deciding that the looming shadow they need to escape is more important than questioning the decision he’s made, to be more important. Starting up they do their best to stay well hidden, but quick. Stay low, stay fast. Don’t panic. It’s all she can do to not fall apart or end up dead without anyone realizing that she’s missing. As her mind runs, she realizes that this isn’t something she ever anticipated. He’s aware he can only do so much with her out here and slows his pace slightly. Making her safe is his priority at this point. Nothing else matters until she’s out of sight away from what is about to be the ugliest fight of his life. Thankful, that she doesn’t notice and passes out of his sight he turns ever so slowly. The pounding in his chest slows before picking up and rushing faster than humanly possible. Charcoal hues catch on a pair of large crimson gold ones.

‘Smart choice you made, or stupid. Depending on how you look at it. Is some mere mortal's life worth more than your own? Or is dying that appealing to you?’

“If making sure the world doesn’t have to deal with you anymore I’ll take that death risk. For years you’ve plagued the minds of tribes all over. You didn’t think we’d let our guards down for one minute, did you? These are our woods, our forests. If you think for a second that my brothers and I will let you tear through them freely you’re wrong.”

‘Of course, you’d say that. Do you not realize how much stronger than all of you I am? You and I share the same blood. Will you really stand in my way?’

Ignoring the silent threat that’s been made he allows the transformation from human to wolf take control. He’s barely completed the shift when he’s nearly knocked aside as if he’s nothing. Time… quickly moving aside he calculates his next move. Buying time for others to help is what he needs to do now. Although, he’s not sure anyone will come out here without being coaxed into doing so. For now, all he has to do is focus… A bone-chilling scream practically wrenches the night in half.

She hadn’t meant to run this far. Luckily she hasn’t fallen far, but that doesn’t mean that thing won’t find her with the way she’s released her lungs. Still, her heart hopes it doesn’t. Rather dangling here, feels safer than coming face to face with that monstrosity. Anything is better than dealing with that. You’re the only one out here. Alex went his own way for his own safety. Waves crash against the rock wall made by the cliff she’s hanging from. The drop is steep and filled with craggy rocks. That alone will kill her on the spot. Tiny fingers can barely hold her up much longer. Turning her head up instead of looking at the angry water below her she sees someone she least expects and there’s a wicked grin across this persons face as well.