Chapter 8 Echoes In The Darkness

• Anya's heart hammered against her ribs, a primal fear gnawing at her resolve. The flickering torchlight cast grotesque shadows on the damp cave walls, and the low growl echoed around her, seemingly from every direction. Two glowing red orbs materialized in the distance, growing larger with each passing second. Anya's hand instinctively tightened around the hilt of her hunting knife, the cool metal a comforting weight in her palm.
• The creature emerged from the darkness, a monstrous wolf with fur as black as night and glowing red eyes. Its fangs dripped with a viscous liquid, and a putrid stench filled the air. Panic threatened to consume Anya, but then she remembered Elara's aunt's words: "Trust your instincts, and remember, the darkness can only consume you if you let it."
• Taking a deep breath, Anya focused on the locket nestled against her chest. A faint warmth spread through her, calming her racing heart and sharpening her senses. The wolf snarled, its eyes boring into her with an unnerving intensity. It lunged forward, a blur of teeth and claws. In that split second, time seemed to slow down.