Run! The Black Wolf's prey.

Chapter 8 - Run!

Isabel was sure the beast would rip her into pieces... This was no ordinary wolf - it was something much more wild, much more powerful. She didn't stand a chance!

Her heart was pounding with fear as she fought to get loose, but the wolf was way too strong. And heavy... She could barely move as it it had its full weight upon her, its impressive muscles rippling under its fur. However, just as she thought it would dig those massive canines into her flesh, it unexpectedly buried its nose in her hair instead, breathing heavily.

Isabel was terrified and confused. What was it doing? She tried to wriggle herself loose, but the wolf kept her pinned to the ground and she could feel its hot breath on her face as it sniffed at her hair. Then all of a sudden, it winced and raised its head, spying around.

The next second, another massive wolf appeared out of the shadows, growling at them menacingly. It had a striking dark silver-grey fur, thick and luscious, its brighter parts reflecting the light from the ascending moon. With lightning speed, the silver wolf sprang into action, fiercely launching itself at the black wolf!

Isabel watched in horror as the two massive beasts clashed in a whirlwind of fur and teeth. The black wolf tried to fight back, but the silver wolf was too powerful and phrenetical. With a swift bite to the neck, the black wolf was sent tumbling to the ground, its body slamming into a nearby tree with a sickening thud.

Isabel's heart raced as she leapt to her feet, her eyes locked in shock on the spectacle before her. Just when it seemed like the black wolf would be defeated, it suddenly broke away and fled into the darkness of the woods, and in an instant, Isabel was alone with the silver wolf... The beast's eyes blazed with intensity as it fixed its gaze on her, its growl intensifying with each step.

Run!

The voice in her head woke her up and she finally managed to start running. She ran as fast as she could on her trembling legs, almost falling a couple of times as she stumbled upon stumps and branches on the ground...

"Damn it!" she cursed. She couldn't fall, it would be just as in those stupid horror movies, when the victim would stumble and fall, and then be eaten alive... But she managed to stay on her feet, not daring to look over her shoulder to see whether the wolf was following her or not.

It was dark, but thankfully her feet knew the way and she let out a little whimper of relief when she finally saw the warm light from the lamps in the lake house. She couldn’t wait to get inside! All she wanted to do now was to go in there and lock the door, hiding from the wilderness.

Approaching the house, she saw a familiar vehicle parked next to her car... Her mother’s car? Just as she passed the jetty, the front door of the lake house opened, and Miriam came running towards her with obvious distress on her face.

“Isabel!” Miriam called out. “What on earth happened to you?”

“Mom!” Isabel cried and ran into her arms, panting with anxiety.

Isabel’s tears were streaming down her cheeks of relief as Miriam held her tight and steered her into the house.

“You’re soaking wet. And muddy. Izzie, what happened?” Miriam spoke calmly, but she was clearly upset. She helped Isabel out of the soiled clothes and took her to the shower, helping her as if she was a little child. Isabel was so shocked, she found herself walking around in a haze.

Half an hour later, Isabel was huddled up under a blanket on the living room sofa, wearing a snug bathrobe and holding a mug of hot tea in her hands. She was no longer trembling, and she was looking steadily into the fireplace where the flames were consummating the logs. As her mother came out of the kitchen, holding another steaming cup of tea, she started talking with a puzzled face.

“It was so strange…” Isabel breathed. “Mom, there were two wolves. They were fighting. But before that…” she paused, trying to assemble her thoughts. “The black wolf... It attacked me. But it didn’t seem like it wanted to hurt me. It felt like… I don’t know, like it was curious, but it wasn’t… I don’t know. It didn’t feel vicious, somehow.” Isabel to a sip of her tea, her brows furrowed.

“You think that a wolf that is attacking you isn’t vicious?” Miriam’s voice was sharp. “Oh honey, you are so lucky to still be alive.” She ran her hands over her face and sighed. “There is a reason why I’ve always told you to not go out there when it’s dark.”

“So, you knew about these wolves? But why didn’t you tell me? I always thought it was because I shouldn’t get lost.” Isabel was annoyed. Why would her mother not tell her something like this? “And how come I haven’t seen any before, during all these years, when you clearly knew about them?”

“It’s a long story,” Miriam sighed again and sat down next to Isabel, who reflexively made space for her mother and then snuggled up next to her, letting Miriam stroke her hair. “But in short – there used to be wolves here, a long, long time ago. People called them 'the Black Wolves'. Before you were born. But then we bought the lake house and its premises, and ever since, I haven’t seen any of them. So, I was really surprised when…” Miriam paused.

“When what?”

“When you told me earlier today, what you saw last night. And I thought… well, I immediately thought maybe it was a wolf that you had seen. I know you told me to not come, but I just couldn’t stay at home knowing that you might be in danger,” Miriam said apologetically. “I had to check on you.”

“You should have told me,” Isabel whined, realizing she sounded like a child.

“Yes, I’m sorry. I wish I had… But I did try to call you earlier. Before I decided to come here. But you didn’t pick up your phone.”

“Oh, yeah, sorry. I went out running.”

“I figured” Miriam smiled and patted Isabel on the cheek. “You have always loved running. And never done what you have been told,” she snickered. “But no more running in the woods from now on.” Miriam gazed into the fire as well, contemplating.

“I don’t think you should stay out here alone, Isabel,” Miriam continued after a while. “We're going to the city already tonight. You can stay in your old room.”

Isabel sat up, looking at her mother with furrowed brows. She was no child! She did not like her mother telling her what to do...

“I prefer staying here,” Isabel frowned.

“Oh really? Among the wolves that attacked you?” Miriam scoffed.

“It’s not like they’re going to come knocking on the door,” Isabel rolled her eyes. “I will stay out of the woods.”

“And you think I will let you, after what happened today?”

“I’m not a baby, mom. I can decide for myself,” Isabel sneered.

“Then don’t act like one” Miriam chortled. “Don’t worry, honey. It won’t be forever. We will find you a new apartment in the city, and I will inform the authorities of this wolf situation.”

“I guess you’re right...” Isabel exhaled, letting down her guard. She really was exhausted... And maybe she wouldn’t feel safe at the lake house by herself after all. And she wouldn’t have to drive for hours every day to work.

“OK mom,” she sighed. “I will stay at your place until everything’s sorted. But we’ll go tomorrow. I’m way too tired now, I just want to go to sleep.”

“Deal,” Miriam kissed her on the forehead. “You go to bed. I’ll stay up a little longer.”