Nova Peak End Game

The pair’s gaze seemed tethered for a moment. Then, the red-faced wolf withdrew, a thin arm of bearberry leaves bobbing where she’d stood moments before.

Several seconds passed. Riley considered his options, which were few. He’d no chance of catching her - not that he wished to — and it was not as if he could run from her, either.

He wondered if her pack was nearby; that was twice now he’d seen a wolf in short order. It was dangerous for him now to be compromised and so close to settlement.

Bushes above rattled. Riley listened attentively as fleet steps gradually faded. When he was certain she was gone he moved warily towards the footpath.

Imagine his surprise to see a figure in the grasslands ahead, watching him with the same feral wariness he felt pattering in his heart.