Emberwood Did you wonder where I've been all night

what are timelines lol

The unknown sound alarms the wraith, too. His own steps are featherlight, a ghost drifting through the forest, leaving him alert to the slightest noises in his environment. He's off his game somewhat, after his recent injuries; anyone would be. So his response is delayed, a belated pause and a glance around, once, then twice. The first time, he misses the pale figure alongside the creek just ahead — but the second time, he spots the stranger.
Which is exactly what he doesn't want right now. Wounded as he is, he can't handle another hostile encounter. So he aims to continue right past the stranger, determined to ignore the presence and continue on his way, even if the sight and smell of the blood dried into silver fur causes a disturbance. Unfortunately, he doesn't know enough to account for his warped perception, amplified by the darkness. Rather than walking past the stranger, he almost walks right into him, and he doesn't realize it until he's far too close to stop the train.