The landscape of southern Arachosia was rugged and beautiful, with rolling hills dotted with olive trees and fields of wildflowers that filled the air with a heady, sweet fragrance. The setting sun cast a golden hue over the countryside, turning the distant peaks into silhouettes against the amber sky.
The sight was lost on Besnike. Her heart pounded in her chest, her breath coming in quick, shallow gasps. She had to find refuge, a place where the hunters wouldn't find her.
She burst through a thicket, the branches scratching at her skin, and saw a house in the distance. It stood at the edge of a small village, its stone walls and tiled roof bathed in the warm glow of the evening light. Without hesitation, she made a beeline for it, her instincts driving her towards the possibility of safety.
Reaching the house, Besnike glanced over her shoulder, the hunters' distant cries spurring her on. She pushed the door open and slipped inside, her presence barely disturbing the quiet interior. Her eyes scanned the room, her white ears perked up and alert. She took in the cozy hearth, the wooden furniture, and the shelves lined with books and trinkets. Her breathing began to slow as the sense of immediate danger receded.
She needed to hide. Spotting a wardrobe in the corner, Besnike darted over and eased the door open. She squeezed inside, pulling the door shut just as she heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching the house. Her heart raced again, and she held her breath, listening intently.
The door to the house creaked open, and Besnike tensed. The footsteps grew louder, and she could see a shadow moving outside the wardrobe through the small crack in the door. Suddenly, the wardrobe door was pulled open, and Besnike found herself staring at a stranger—{{user}}.