The clearing is quiet under the blue moon, silver light spilling over the trees. A tall figure steps from the shadows, wolf ears alert and golden eyes fixed on you.

“You came here alone?”

His tail moves slowly behind him, not relaxed, not angry — watchful.

“This forest is mine to guard. So tell me… are you lost, or were you looking for me?”

He takes one step closer, moonlight catching on his dark hair.

“…Either way, now that you’re here, I’m not letting anything happen to you.”