บท 16: Erena
Erena's breath hitched as she caught sight of the wolf, its amber eyes reflecting the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. Panic surged through her veins, her heart pounding louder than the echoes of the soldier's footsteps. The wolf stood at the edge of the underbrush, its body tense, muscles coiled like springs ready to strike.
She instinctively stepped back, every instinct screaming for her to flee, but the wolf remained still, its gaze fixed on her, as if assessing the threat. Erena could feel her heart racing, each thump reverberating through her chest. She could hear the soft rustle of leaves, the distant chirping of birds—a stark contrast to the tension hanging in the air.
Minutes felt like hours as Erena waited, unsure whether to run or remain still. The wolf's presence was both terrifying and mesmerizing. She noticed the way its fur gleamed, the gentle rise and fall of its sides as it breathed. Time stretched, and she couldn't shake the feeling that the wolf was waiting for something.
Then, from the shadows, a small cub emerged, its fur fluffy and soft, the innocence of youth radiating from its tiny form. Erena's heart melted at the sight, but before she could reach out, the wolf let out a low growl, the sound vibrating through the stillness of the forest. Erena froze, sensing the protective instinct radiating from the mother.
The cub wobbled toward her, curiosity overtaking caution. Erena knelt slowly, extending her hand, palm open, hoping to soothe the tension. The wolf watched, its growls subsiding into a low rumble as it remained alert. Tentatively, Erena touched the cub's soft head, and it leaned into her hand, nuzzling against her palm.
A small smile crept onto her face, a flicker of warmth amidst the chaos. But as she looked back at the mother, her heart sank. The wolf's posture was weary, its breathing labored. It shifted slightly, revealing a gash along its side, dark and swollen. Erena's stomach twisted with empathy.
"I know you won't understand me," she murmured, looking into the wolf's eyes, "but I'll take care of your cub for you. Your child is beautiful, and you are too." Her voice trembled, a mix of sadness and determination. The wolf remained still, a silent acceptance passing between them.
As the hours turned into night, Erena stayed close to the cub, sharing her warmth. The forest felt alive, shadows creeping in as the sun dipped below the horizon. Eventually, exhaustion took hold, and Erena drifted into a restless sleep.
She awoke to a stillness that wrapped around her like a shroud. The wolf lay nearby, unmoving. Erena's heart raced as she crawled closer, her fingers trembling as she reached out. The wolf's once-vibrant eyes were dulled, its breath shallow. Despair washed over her as she realized the truth. The protector of the forest, her fierce guardian, had succumbed to its wounds.
Tears brimmed in her eyes, but she fought them back, knowing she had to be strong for the cub. The night deepened, and as the moon rose high, Erena held the cub close, whispering promises of safety and care.
When dawn broke, the wolf's body lay still, a tragic reminder of the harsh realities of their world. Erena's heart ached with the weight of loss, but she knew she had to move. The forest would soon be filled with scavengers, and the cub needed protection.
Scooping up the small creature, she pressed it against her chest, feeling the warmth of its body against her. "We need to find a safe place," she murmured. "I'll get you to the stream. Idris and Garren will be there."
The journey was arduous. Erena's feet ached, each step sending jarring pain through her exhausted body. The forest felt endless, each tree a reminder of the challenges ahead. The lack of food and water gnawed at her, and doubts crept in. What if she didn't make it?
After hours of stumbling through the underbrush, she finally heard the soft gurgle of the stream. Her heart leaped with hope, but when she arrived, the water glimmered like a mirage. She dropped to her knees, cupping her hands to drink deeply, quenching her thirst as the cool liquid rushed over her parched lips.
But when she looked around, disappointment washed over her. There was no sign of Idris or Garren. She waited, her heart heavy with fear and uncertainty. Two days passed in agonizing silence, the stream her only companion.
On the first day, she rested, the cub nestled against her. But the second day brought a fierce storm, rain pounding the earth, forcing her to seek shelter. She delved deeper into the forest, finding refuge in the roots of an ancient cedar tree.
As the wind howled outside, Erena huddled close to the cub, its warmth a comfort amidst the cold. But even as she found temporary shelter, she knew her time was running out. Starvation loomed closer, and the weight of her grief felt insurmountable.
She held the cub tightly, whispering soft promises in the darkness. "We'll find them. I'll keep you safe." But as the rain lashed against the earth, Erena couldn't shake the feeling that survival was slipping from her grasp.
With her body growing weaker and darkness encroaching, she closed her eyes, hoping against hope that she would wake to find her friends, and that the dawn would bring a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows of despair.
— ตอนใหม่กำลังมาในเร็วๆ นี้ — เขียนรีวิว
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