Northern Europe, 16th century.
The cold wind of winter is like the breath of the frost giant, raging on this barren land. Deep in Scandinavia, surrounded by mountains, lies an isolated small village - Oswijk.
The name of the village means "holy harbor" in ancient Viking language. However, for young Vilia, this place was like purgatory.
She huddled in the dilapidated stable, shivering. The haystacks smelled rotten and offered no protection against the night's chill. Her stomach was empty, and her aunt only gave her a few pieces of moldy black bread, and warned her sternly not to step into the kitchen.
Veria's parents died when she was very young, leaving her and her uncle and aunt to depend on each other. However, this greedy couple regarded her as a burden and abused her in every possible way.
"You're a useless girl who only knows how to get free food!" Her aunt's harsh voice echoed in Veria's ears like the crow of a crow.
She endured everything silently, tears welling up in her eyes, but she didn't dare to cry out. She knew that crying would only lead to harsher treatment.
Outside the window, a blood moon hung high in the night sky, spreading its pale moonlight to the earth. There were howls of wolves in the forest, which was terrifying.
"Damn beast, wandering around again!" Uncle cursed, holding the ax in his hand tighter.
Wolves are a major concern for the villagers of Oswijk. Every night when the moon is full, they sneak into villages from deep in the forest and attack livestock and even humans.
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Veria has mixed feelings about the wolves. She was afraid of their ferocity, but she couldn't help but be attracted by their wild charm.
This night is destined to be a sleepless night.
Verya had a nightmare. She dreamed that she was trapped in a thorn bush, and the sharp thorns pierced her skin, causing blood to drip from her skin. She struggled desperately but couldn't escape.
Suddenly, a huge black wolf appeared in front of her, its scarlet eyes flashing fiercely. It opened its huge mouth, exposed its sharp fangs, and rushed towards her...
"Ah!" Wei Liya woke up with a start and found that she was covered in cold sweat.
Outside the window, the sky has turned white. She stood up and walked out of the stable, taking a deep breath of the morning air, trying to calm her racing heart.
"Vilia! What are you dawdling about? Why don't you go collect firewood in the forest!" Her aunt's voice was like a whip, lashing her eardrums.
Wei Liya did not dare to disobey, picked up the hatchet, and walked towards the forest.
The winter forest is deathly silent. The bare branches, like the devil's claws, stretch into the gray sky. Snow covered the ground, making a crunching sound when stepped on.
Verya walked cautiously, fearing that she would disturb something terrible. She knew that there were not only wolves in the forest, but also various legends, such as cannibal witches, mountain spirits and monsters.
Suddenly, her foot slipped and she fell to the ground.
"Ouch!" She exclaimed in pain and found that her ankle was sprained.
She tried to stand up, but found she couldn't move. Despair and fear surged into my heart like a tide.
"Is there anyone? Help!" She shouted for help, but there was only an empty echo in response.
Just then, she heard slight footsteps.
She raised her head and saw a tall figure walking out of the depths of the woods...