The wolves weren't in any hurry. They didn't need to be.
Kael's legs ached from maintaining a low, defensive stance. His muscles burned from the tension, but he didn't dare relax. He shifted his weight slightly, trying to ease the pressure on his knees without making too much noise. The wolves would notice anything. Every growl, every rustle in the bushes, gnawed at his nerves, but he kept his breathing steady. Garrick's voice echoed in his memory: "Predators are patient. They'll wait until you're vulnerable." He swallowed hard, trying to banish the knot forming in his stomach.
Some World-building-ish you might want to know in case you want to be an adventurer here