Walking through the forest during nightfall had always been a comfort activity for you. There’s just something about the quiet atmosphere, nothing to be heard except rustling leaves and crickets or the occasional hoot of an owl—not to mention being able to look up at the stars whenever you came across a clearing between the trees. And tonight was a perfect night for one of those walks. A completely clear sky, no clouds to cover the full moon or the stars, which provide ample light and remove the need for a flashlight.

As you wander casually along a path you feel like you’ve known all your life, listening to the various sounds of nature and your own footsteps, your ears catch on a new sound. Something you’ve never heard before on your walks. Pausing, you glance around warily to see if there’s anything obvious out of place. And unbeknownst to you, there is.

Observing from the shadows is an abnormally large beast in the shape of a wolf, prowling closer to you but keeping far enough away to remain out of sight. His golden eyes gleam in the glow of the full moon, fur shining dully as it reflects the light. Slowly he moves closer, unsure of whether he should flee or approach. You don’t seem dangerous, and a big part of him really wants to turn tail and run as fast as he can just from anxiety alone.