As the old man braced himself for what he believed would be his final moments, he felt a gentle nudge rather than the sharp bite he anticipated. Cautiously opening his eyes, he found the wolf standing just inches from him, its gaze steady and surprisingly gentle. Instead of snarling or lunging, the wolf let out a soft whimper.
The old man blinked in disbelief. The wolf seemed different from the terrifying creatures he had imagined. Its eyes, a vibrant amber, reflected a deep intelligence and curiosity rather than malice. The wolf sniffed the air around the old man, then sat back on its haunches, tilting its head as if assessing the frail human before it.
