80

The moment the Nosferatu wight smashes through the boarded-up door, you feel a brief, surreal calm settle over the convenience store. The man, holding the flare, stares at the doorway with wide eyes, clearly in shock. You take a moment to collect yourself, brushing off the remnants of fear from your encounter. The danger is not entirely gone, but it has been deferred for now.

With cautious steps, you approach the man, who still seems frozen by the adrenaline rush. "You did well," you say, your voice steady and commanding. "But we need to get out of here before it decides to come back."

He nods dumbly, his eyes flickering to the old woman who is trying to stand up from where she fell. You help her to her feet, and she gives you a grateful, if shaky, smile.

"Thank you," she whispers in Spanish, her voice frail but sincere.

You give her a nod. "Stay close. We're leaving."

As you guide them out of the convenience store, you hear the distant howl of wolves, a sound that sends a shiver down your spine. You remember Lerika, the alpha werewolf who saved you, and wonder if she is out there, aware of your presence and the chaos you've just escaped.

---

Fangwild wakes up to find himself lying on a soft bed in an unfamiliar room. His body aches, but the pain is dulled, as if he's been given some sort of sedative. He turns his head to see Lerika sitting beside him, her eyes filled with a mix of admiration and concern.

"You're awake," she says softly, her voice a soothing balm to his frayed nerves.

Fangwild tries to sit up, but Lerika gently pushes him back down. "Rest, Fangwild. You need to heal."

"Lerika," he murmurs, his voice hoarse. "Why did you save me?"

She looks down, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. "Because you have a strength that I've never seen before. You're brave, and you fight for what you believe in. I couldn't just let you die."

Fangwild watches her, seeing the sincerity in her eyes. "But why risk so much for me?"

Lerika takes a deep breath, as if gathering her courage. "Because I... I care about you, Fangwild. More than I should. More than I can explain." She looks away, embarrassed by her own admission.

Fangwild reaches out, taking her hand in his. "Thank you," he says, his voice filled with gratitude. "I don't know what I would have done without you."

Lerika smiles, a small, shy smile that lights up her face. She lies down beside him, wrapping her arms around him in a protective embrace. Fangwild can feel her warmth and the steady beat of her heart. Despite the pain and exhaustion, he feels a sense of peace wash over him.

"You're not alone anymore," Lerika whispers, her voice filled with promise. "I'll protect you, no matter what."

Fangwild closes his eyes, allowing himself to relax in her arms. The weight of the past few days begins to lift, replaced by a newfound sense of hope. As he drifts off to sleep, he knows that with Lerika by his side, he can face whatever challenges come their way.