The heart of the wolf

ing with thoughts of the journey ahead. She quickly dressed and gathered supplies-her sketchbook, a small satchel filled with food, water, and herbs gifted by Mrs. Hargro

ing with creativity as she took out her sketchbook and began to capture the scene. Liam watched her, admiring how effortlessly she translated the beauty around them onto the page. As they continued, the path became more challenging, the terrain uneven and steep. The sun climbed higher, filtering through the canopy and painting the ground in patches of light and shadow. Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the trees, causing Clara to freeze. "What was that?" she whispered, her eyes wide with fear. "Stay close," Liam commanded softly, his senses heightened. He moved ahead, scanning the area. From the bushes emerged a large creature-part wolf, part something else, its eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. It stood protectively over its territory, muscles rippling beneath its thick fur. Liam stepped forward, his stance firm. "It's just a guardian of the forest," he explained. "They protect the heart of the woods. We mean no harm." The creature growled, its gaze fixed on Clara. She took a step back, her heart racing. "What should we do?" "Show no fear," Liam urged, his voice steady. "We must respect it. It senses your intentions." Clara took a deep breath, channeling her courage. "I mean no harm," she said, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her. "I'm here to help." To her surprise, the creature's posture relaxed slightly, its growl fading to a low rumble. It sniffed the air, seemingly assessing their presence. Liam slowly extended a hand, palm facing up, a sign of peace. "We seek the Moonlit Blossom," he said, his tone calm and respectful. "Will you let us pass?" The creature's gaze flickered between them, and for a moment, the forest felt still. Then, with a low snort, it stepped aside, allowing them to continue. Clara exhaled, relief washing over her. "That was incredible," she said, glancing at Liam, admiration evident in her eyes. "Respect goes a long way in the fore