After a while, Bennett decided it was time to leave, so he limped out of the wooden cabin.

The wolves that had been pursuing Ariana now approached him in scattered groups. They frolicked around him, tails wagging and bodies nudging affectionately as if they recognized an old friend.

“Good boys," Bennett murmured, stroking each of their heads as they encircled him playfully.

He had lied to Ariana. Bennett, in truth, had been their caretaker since they were mere pups. They were well acquainted with him.

The wolves had abandoned the chase of Ariana, lured away by Bennett's familiar scent.