Elena
The howl echoes through the night. Close. Too close.
Ray's eyes snap open. "Alexander's wolves. They found us."
Marcus bursts through the door. His face is grim. "There are at least ten of them. They are surrounding the cottage. I saw their eyes in the trees."
Ray tries to sit up. His wound pulls. He gasps. Blood seeps through the fresh bandages.
"We cannot fight," Ray says. "Not like this."
"We cannot stay here either," Marcus says. "They will burn the cottage with you inside."
"There is the tunnel," Marta says. She stands in the doorway, her hands wringing her apron. "Under the cottage. It leads to the river. My husband built it years ago, in case of attack."
Ray nods. "We take the tunnel."
Marcus helps Ray to his feet. Ray leans on him, his face pale, sweat on his brow.
