Isaac continued crawling forward in the darkness with August following him. The huffing had become more agitated, and one particularly disturbed growl sounded as if it was making its way toward them.
"It doesn't sound like a wolf," August whispered.
"It's not a wolf," Isaac confirmed.
Finally they arrived at what felt like a doorway, and Isaac moved upward over damp stone stairs toward what were miraculous slivers of light above them. His hand pounded against the wood planks that were secured over the cellar opening.
"Help!" he cried. "Help us!" His voice cracked as it rose to a desperate pitch, and the gruff sound of the large animal closing in on them countered it.
As August began to climb up behind him, she felt bristly warm bodies shuffling awkwardly around her. Her hands flew up, avoiding touching them until they began nuzzling her and squawking. An alarmed roar sounded closer behind her, and suddenly her mind fit the pieces together.
