"Three days? That's ludicrous," Vera scoffed as she reflected on the camping trip. Just the journey there and back would consume all of that time.
While she was still contemplating the logistics, her assistant, Erin, appeared at the door, visibly flustered. Her face was flushed, and she was struggling for breath.
"Let me guess," Vera interjected before Erin could speak, "wolves again?"
Erin's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know? Did someone inform you?"
Vera didn't respond; instead, she gestured for Erin to continue.
"Just like before, two dire wolves appeared near the academy. They vanished when I arrived, but they're cunning, always preying on novice mages. Later, when we heard about them again, they had already been killed. Their hearts were removed and buried in the woods
