Moonlit vow

Night fell over a vast forest, the moonlight casting an ethereal glow on the trees. A figure darted swiftly through the dense woodland—a pure white wolf, its movements fluid and determined, streaking across the forest floor. On its back lay a girl, her clothes soaked with blood. Her face was unrecognizable, but her resolute, bright eyes captured an indomitable spirit that was impossible to ignore. Iris blinked in confusion. Am I still alive? Where am I? Fragments of memory flooded her mind—the car speeding toward her, its driver making no attempt to brake. It was deliberate, someone had wanted her dead. Why? She was a straightforward person, always handling her work and relationships with care. Who could possibly harbor such hatred for her? Could it be *that woman*? The mysterious M Organization came to mind. Known as the most secretive medical research institution in Country A, it recruited only the world's finest doctors. Iris, with her exceptional talent in medicine, had been recommended to the organization by her mentor after earning her doctorate. The resources provided by M Organization had propelled her research to remarkable heights, but also attracted envy from some of her colleagues. Perhaps this jealousy was the reason someone tried to kill her today. But she was lucky—she had survived. "If I make it back, I will exact my revenge!" Iris vowed silently, clenching her teeth. However, danger still loomed. Shadows, dark and fast-moving, pursued the white wolf relentlessly. Despite its speed, the wolf couldn’t shake them off. These black figures seemed intent on hunting it down. Iris turned her gaze toward their pursuers, her terror growing as the shadows drew closer. She let out an involuntary scream. The wolf glanced back at her, its eyes firm and unwavering, as if to say, *If it weren’t for carrying you, I would have outrun them long ago.* This wolf was Iris’s only hope for survival. Though fear gripped her, the wolf’s swift, nimble movements reassured her somewhat. Gradually, she began to calm down. Sensing Iris’s steadier emotions, the wolf surged forward with renewed vigor, its speed increasing. The wind roared past Iris’s ears, forcing her to close her eyes against the rush. She clung tightly to the wolf’s fur as it darted through the forest like a shooting star cutting through the night sky. Branches scratched at Iris’s skin as they sped through the undergrowth, and the scent of her blood seemed to incite their pursuers, who quickened their pace. “You’re hurt,” the wolf suddenly spoke, its voice rich and guttural, yet clear enough for Iris to understand. It slowed down, its golden eyes filled with concern. Hiding her wounds, Iris responded firmly, “I’m fine.” The wolf, however, stopped. It leaped up the tallest tree in sight, pausing to scan the area with luminous eyes. After confirming there were no signs of aerial predators, it finally relaxed and said, “Stay here. Don’t move.” Below the tree, bizarre creatures were amassing, their grotesque forms casting eerie shadows. Iris should have been terrified, but seeing the wolf’s worried gaze, she found herself suppressing a laugh. Even in the face of life and death, with survival uncertain, the wolf’s presence filled her with a strange sense of safety. “I’m Iris,” she said softly, her wariness toward the wolf melting away. The wolf—Leiand—lifted his head, his golden eyes locking onto hers, surprise and excitement flashing across his face. The girl he’d rescued was finally opening up to him. Leiand, the pride of his pack, thought smugly that Iris was beginning to recognize his worth. He cast a disdainful glance at the grotesque creatures gathering below. They were nothing more than nuisances. If it weren’t for protecting Iris, these pests wouldn’t stand a chance against him. He looked up at her perched in the tree and said confidently, “Wait here. I’ll handle this.” Without waiting for her reply, Leiand leapt from the tree with the grace of a predator. A low, menacing growl tore through the night, sending flocks of birds scattering into the sky. Iris clung to the branches, hidden among the leaves, her eyes wide as she observed the scene below. What she saw was unbelievable. Leiand was locked in a ferocious battle with a monstrous two-headed serpent, their clash a whirlwind of violence and power. Under the moonlight, the white wolf’s eyes glowed with an eerie blue hue, while the serpent monster raised its two heads high. Its jaws gaped open, venom dripping from its fangs, sizzling as it corroded the plants below. The serpent hissed a warning, its voice low and menacing. "Leave this forest! It belongs to me now!" The white wolf scoffed, its tone filled with disdain. "Enough talk! This forest won’t be defiled by the likes of you!" The fight erupted in an instant. The serpent lunged with both heads, striking at lightning speed. The white wolf darted gracefully, evading the attack, and used the opportunity to s***h one side of the serpent's scaled body with its sharp claws. Dark green blood sprayed out, staining the forest floor. Iris covered her mouth, suppressing any sound that might reveal her hiding spot. The serpent roared in fury, its massive tail sweeping the ground in a wide arc, forcing the wolf to leap back several paces. Its two heads worked in perfect sync—one launched a ferocious assault, while the other spat venom, cutting off the wolf’s escape routes. The white wolf hesitated, its sharp mind calculating. If it retreated too far, Iris, perched in the tree, might be exposed. With a quick pivot, the wolf darted between the trees, its agile movements a blur. It searched for an opening, its piercing gaze fixated on the serpent. Though both heads were relentless, the wolf noticed a weakness: the softer underbelly between them. Suddenly, the wolf stopped running. It stood firm under the moonlight, throwing back its head in a thunderous howl that echoed through the forest. The serpent hesitated, its focus scattered. Nervously, it began to glance around, as though expecting reinforcements. In that fleeting moment of doubt, the wolf seized its chance. With blinding speed, it lunged at the serpent’s exposed abdomen, sinking its fangs deep into the vulnerable flesh. The serpent screeched in agony, writhing as its heads thrashed wildly. Confused and panicked, the two heads began to clash with each other. The wolf didn’t let up, tearing into its enemy with relentless ferocity. Bit by bit, the serpent’s strength drained away until it collapsed with a final, anguished cry. Its massive body fell still. Standing tall beside the lifeless monster, the white wolf threw its head back and howled victoriously, its cry ringing through the forest. Iris had witnessed everything. Her heart pounded, overwhelmed by the surreal sight. This world—what kind of place was it? Strange beasts everywhere, a two-headed snake, and a wolf that could communicate like a human. Everything about it was fantastical. As the adrenaline wore off, Iris slumped against the tree trunk, exhaustion pulling her into a deep sleep. When Leiand returned, cleaning the serpent’s venom from his fur, he found Iris asleep. He didn’t disturb her. Hours passed before Iris stirred awake. She opened her eyes to see a tall man with golden hair standing nearby. His piercing blue eyes locked onto hers, startlingly familiar. The memories from the previous night flooded back. She vividly recalled the white wolf that had saved her. But where was it? And who was this man? "Hello, Iris," the man greeted her, his voice calm yet curious. "Which tribe are you from? Were you lost in the forest? I can guide you back." Iris shook her head, unsure how to explain her situation. Her thoughts returned to the wolf. “Where’s the white wolf from last night? It brought me here.” The man’s gaze softened. “That wolf… was me.” Iris froze in shock. “You… you’re the wolf? You can transform?” Leiand chuckled softly, then shifted before her eyes. In seconds, the majestic white wolf stood where the man had been, proving his claim. Iris stared, awestruck. Tentatively, she reached out to touch its fur, noticing patches of blood seeping from wounds earned during the fight. Her heart ached at the sight.