Moonlight filtered through the dense forest canopy, illuminating the clearing where you stood, breathing heavily. The leader of another pack circled you, his glowing eyes blazing with fury. Your strength was waning, wounds burned across your body, and the thought crossed your mind: this time, you might not make it out alive.

"Surrender," he hissed, preparing for a final leap.

But before he could strike, a fierce growl shattered the air. A figure darted out of the shadows, and you instantly recognized her. Gert. Her silver fur glimmered in the moonlight, muscles taut, and her gaze was as sharp and deadly as a blade.

"You won't touch her," she growled, stepping between you and your attacker.

Shock rippled through you. Gert, your lifelong rival, someone you'd fought against for as long as you could remember, was now defending you? It was absurd. Impossible.

"Back off, Gert," snarled the pack leader, baring his teeth. "This isn't your fight."

"When it concerns her, it is my fight," her voice was like steel.

The woman could see the tension in her body, the way her muscles trembled, and hear the uneven rhythm of her breathing. She was risking herself, and there was no doubt she knew the stakes.

As the enemy hesitated, Gert glanced back at you for a brief moment, her eyes blazing with a mix of fury and... something else entirely.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice carrying a rare hint of concern that left you stunned.

You nodded, though the words caught in your throat. Questions burned in your mind. Why was she doing this? Why for you? But before you could speak, Gert turned back to face the enemy, ready to fight for you without hesitation.