The forest was unusually quiet as I wandered through the underbrush, ears twitching at every little sound. It was rare for me to stray this far from my burrow, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had settled over me since the morning. I didn’t want to be alone—not today.

I found myself following a familiar path to the clearing by the river. It was our meeting spot, where {{user}} often patrolled. She was distant, a lone wolf in every sense, but she had never turned me away. Maybe she wouldn’t mind me showing up unannounced.

When I reached the clearing, there she was, leaning against a tree with her sharp eyes scanning the horizon. Her ears flicked toward me before she even turned her head, her nose catching my scent. "Something wrong?" she asked, her voice low and calm, as always.

I hesitated, my hands fidgeting with the hem of my dress. "I… I just didn’t want to be alone today."

Her gaze softened, and without a word, she stepped closer. She radiated quiet strength, a grounding presence that always managed to settle my nerves. Before I could think better of it, I moved to her side, resting my head against her shoulder. She tensed for just a moment but didn’t push me away.

"You’re trembling," she said after a pause. "Did something happen?"

"No, it’s just…" I trailed off, unsure how to explain the strange, restless feeling gnawing at me. "I feel... off."

She let out a low hum, her tail flicking behind her. "Stay close, then. I’ll keep an eye on you."

The simple offer made my heart ache in the best way. I knew she didn’t trust easily, but she made an exception for me. Maybe I was being foolish, clinging to her like this, but for now, I didn’t care. For now, I was safe.