Chapter 123: Helena's Dilemma

HELENA My breath caught in my throat. Wolves. A whole pack of them. Maybe 10? 20? I didn't know. But I was outnumbered. Greatly. My mind raced. Were they from Aaron's pack? Or were they something else, something more dangerous? I took a step back, my pulse quickening. I had to get back to the camp, had to get back to Aaron and Luna. But before I could move, one of the wolves stepped forward, a low growl rumbling from its throat. I could see its teeth gleaming in the dim light, could feel the menace in its stance. Panic shot through me, and I froze, my mind blank. A small movement from one of them propelled me forward, and I turned and ran, my feet flying over the forest floor. My breathing came in sharp, quick gasps. I could hear them behind me, the sound of their paws pounding against the ground, the low growls that seemed to echo in the dark. I pushed myself harder, trying to ignore the fear that clawed at my insides. I had to get away. I had to find Aaron. But they were getting closer, their growls louder, their eyes burning like fire in the night. I glanced back over my shoulder, and my heart dropped when I saw how close they were. I turned back around, my breath hitching in my throat. My legs began to burn with the effort of running. I had to keep going. I couldn't stop. Not now. Not when I was so close. I just couldn't. And then, a sharp, searing pain tore through me as one of the wolves leapt at me, knocking me off my feet. I hit the ground hard, the air rushing out of my lungs. I tried to push myself up, tried to get to my feet, but the pain was too much. I rolled over, looking up at the wolves surrounding me, their eyes glowing, their teeth bared. How did it come to this? I was trapped. Fear flooded my veins, but I fought to keep it at bay. I had to think, had to find a way out. I couldn't give up. Not yet. Please, not yet. I took a deep breath, my mind racing. And then, with a sudden burst of energy, I pushed myself up, swinging my arm at the nearest wolf. It yelped, jumping back, and I took the chance to scramble to my feet. I turned and ran, my heart pounding, my legs burning. I could hear them behind me, their growls filling my ears, their eyes like flames in the darkness. But I couldn't stop. I had to keep going. I had to get back to Aaron. And then, as I ran, I heard a voice in my mind, a voice that was both familiar and strange. "Run, Helena," it said. "Run." And I did, not daring to look back, only focusing on the path ahead, hoping against hope that I could make it. Maybe if I convinced myself that I could, I would. Hopefully. I ran so fast and so hard, I remembered what Veronica used to say. When it's a situation of life and death, your body does extraordinary things. I came up to a fork in the path, and cursed under my breath. I couldn't remember which one I followed. I tried to recall, to remember, but the sound of paws on grass and branches heightened my anxiety. I ended up choosing the left path, moving as fast as my legs could carry me. I had run only four paces when a huge wolf stepped in front of me, growling and foaming at the mouth. I stumbled backwards, turning around immediately. I couldn't scream, I couldn't react. My body only knew one thing, get out of here. Get away from them. But as I turned, another wolf stepped into my path. This one was larger, its fur a dark, almost black color. Its eyes bore into mine, and I felt a wave of fear crash over me. I had no idea if they could tell I wasn't truly a wolf. The disguise might fool them for a while, but how long could it last? The wolf growled again, a deep, rumbling sound that sent a shiver down my spine. I took another step back, my mind racing. I had to do something, anything, to get out of this. My instincts screamed at me to run, to get away as fast as I could. But my body wasn't listening. 'Helena!" Aaron's voice cut through the darkness like a blade. It was sharp and commanding. I turned toward the sound, relief flooding through me. He was coming for me. The wolves snarled, their attention shifting between me and the direction of Aaron's voice. They were torn, unsure whether to attack or wait. I could see the indecision in their eyes, and I knew this was my chance. One of them seemed to recognize him, and froze, signaling for the others to hold back. Without thinking, I spun on my heel and bolted, running as fast as I could back toward the camp. Branches whipped at my face, and I was basically gasping to breathe, but I didn't stop. I couldn't. Behind me, I heard the crashing of paws, the wolves giving chase. I felt a surge of panic rise in my chest. My pulse drummed in my ears, drowning out all other sounds. I had to get away. I had to reach Aaron before it was too late. I glanced over my shoulder and saw the wolves closing in, their eyes wild and hungry. 'Get away from her!" Aaron shouted again, closer this time. I pushed myself harder, my legs burning with every stride. I could see the faint glow of the campfire ahead, a beacon in the darkness. I was almost there. Luna wasn't laying by the fire anymore. I could see her waiting in the shadows behind, her obsidian eyes glowing in the dark. She held a weapon, looking similar to a gun. But I knew Luna, that thing wasn't a gun. Probably more powerful, with a hint of magic. She had known. But just as I thought I might make it, one of the wolves leapt in front of me, its jaws snapping shut just inches from my leg. I stumbled, nearly losing my footing. I knew I couldn't keep this up for long. 'Aaron!" I screamed, desperation lacing my voice. I couldn't see him, but I could feel him. He was close. And then, everything seemed to slow down. The wolves lunged at the same time, and I felt a sharp pain shoot up my side as one of them clipped me with its paw. I went down, hitting the ground hard.