They had covered hundreds of meters when Ariana's energy began to wane. She let Bennett down among the bushes and stopped to catch her breath, only to feel a dangerous, familiar presence drawing near.

Slowly turning around, she realized the wolves had caught up with them.

Despite her attempt to distract them with the meat, it hadn't been sufficient for the ravenous pack, and the wolves were significantly faster than she was.

As the wolves closed in, despair settled into Ariana's heart.

It seemed like she was doomed.