Ocean's Breath Plateau you don't need my pictures on your wall.

the worst was behind her, but aelita could not shake the anxiety that clung to her like burrs in her pelt. every time she peered behind her, she half-expected someone to burst from the foliage in pursuit. it hadn't happened yet, but somehow that only fueled her tension. she couldn't quite believe it would be over so easily.
she was so occupied with watching her back that she almost didn't notice the dark wolf ahead of her. when she did, she froze. fear dominated her initial response, and she cowered, taking several steps back. but he didn't seem like much of a threat after she'd had a moment to look at him. he seemed... upset? he was trembling, his head hanging. a sudden swell of courage and pity in equal measures drove her to step forward and call out. h-hello? are you alright?