Chapter 17

The girl nodded, her voice firm and resolute. "Yes. We don't have any other option." She took a deep breath, her body almost imperceptibly relaxing. "We have to trust him."

Slowly, with a mix of fear and anticipation, the girl started to move towards the cupboard door. Isaac stayed close to her, the air in the small space feeling even more oppressively thick. As the girl reached for the door, she gave a final glance at Isaac, her eyes full of determination. Then, with a sharp breath, she pushed open the cupboard door.

Light flooded into the small space, blinding Isaac momentarily. As his eyes adjusted, he peeked out to see the interior of the cabin. It was in disarray, the hunters nowhere in sight. Standing in the middle of the room, looking far more menacing in the light, was a huge wolf, its fur a deep shade of brown. It was staring directly at Isaac and the girl, its eyes bright and intelligent.

The wolf stood there, its gaze fixated on Isaac and the girl. It made no move to attack, merely watching them intently, its ears twitching as if it was listening to every word. The girl stepped fully out of the cupboard, her body shaking slightly but her gaze steady.

Isaac followed the girl, reluctantly stepping out of the cupboard into the ruined cabin. The wolf tracked their movements, its unblinking stare fixed on them. The girl was now standing a few feet away from the massive animal, her body language surprisingly calm given the situation.

The wolf took a step forward, its body low to the ground, its pace not one of aggression but curiosity. Isaac instinctively stepped back, his heart in his throat. The girl stayed where she was, her face impassive. The wolf paused, its gaze shifting between the two.

The wolf's body language seemed somehow... docile? Its ears were now upright, and the low rumble that had been there earlier had faded to a low hum, almost like a soft purr. It took another step forward, its gaze still fixed intently on Isaac and the girl, its eyes surprisingly intelligent.

The girl surprised Isaac by taking a step towards the wolf. The wolf mirrored her movement, its body tensing but its gaze unwavering. Isaac's breathing became labored as he watched the girl, who seemed to be approaching the massive animal as one would a friendly pet dog.