Although Victor had managed to kill one wolf, there were still four left, watching them with hungry eyes and moving silently through the underbrush.
Amanda, still stunned and very frightened, stood behind Victor, trying to control the trembling in her legs.
The clearing seemed to be shrouded in a tense silence, broken only by the gentle sound of the stream and the low growls of the wolves.
"They're not going to give up, are they?" Amanda murmured, her voice shaking.
"No," Victor replied, not looking away from the wolves. "But don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you."
Amanda pressed her hands into the fabric of Victor's cloak, trying to take courage from his words. She had always tried to appear brave to everyone, but the presence of those wolves stirred a primal fear in her.
Soon, the wolves began to act up again. One of them approached with frightening speed, barking loudly at Victor.
