" In the darkest of times, hope is the light that guides us"- Anonymous
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Gravill's heart pounded in his chest as they sprinted through the darkness. The pack's howls echoed through the forest, growing louder with every step. Elsa led the way, her knowledge of the terrain guiding them through the dense underbrush. Nicholas followed close behind, his sword at the ready.
"We need to find shelter," Elsa yelled over the din of the pack's pursuit. "Somewhere to hide and regroup."
Gravill nodded, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "I see a light up ahead. Maybe it's a cabin or something."
As they burst through the trees, a small cottage came into view. Smoke drifted lazily from the chimney, and a warm glow emanated from the windows.
"Let's go," Nicholas urged, pushing Gravill toward the door.
Elsa hesitated, her eyes scanning the surrounding area. "I don't like it. It feels like a trap."
Gravill's instincts agreed, but the pack's closing in left them no choice. "We have to try," he said, pounding on the door.
The door creaked open, revealing a kindly old woman who ushered them inside. "Quickly, quickly. You're safe now."
As they caught their breath, Gravill noticed strange symbols etched into the walls. "What are these?" he asked the old woman.
"Protection charms," she replied. "To keep the pack at bay."
Elsa's eyes narrowed. "How do you know about the pack?"
The old woman's gaze turned serious. "I've lived here for many years. I know the dangers that lurk in these woods."
Nicholas sheathed his sword. "We can't stay here forever. We need a plan to deal with the pack."
Gravill nodded, his mind racing. "I think I can use my powers to—"
A loud crash interrupted him, followed by the sound of snarling wolves. The pack had found them.
The old woman gestured to a small room in the back. "Hide in there. I'll distract the pack."
Gravill, Elsa, and Nicholas exchanged hesitant glances before rushing into the room. The old woman slammed the door shut behind them, and they heard her chanting in a language they didn't understand.
As they caught their breath, Gravill turned to Elsa. "What do you think the old woman is doing?"
Elsa's eyes gleamed in the dim light. "I think she's trying to protect us. But we can't rely on her alone."
Nicholas nodded. "We need a plan to take down the pack."
Gravill's determination grew. "I'll use my powers to drive them back. Elsa, can you—"
A loud growl cut him off. The pack had broken through the door.
Gravill, Elsa, and Nicholas prepare to face the pack, but the old woman's chanting grows louder, and the air is filled with an otherworldly energy. The pack's growls and snarls cease, replaced by an eerie silence.
The old woman enters the room, her eyes aglow with a fierce determination. "I've held them off, but only for a short time. We must leave, now."
As they follow her, Gravill notices strange markings on her hands and arms. "What are those?" he asks.
The old woman hesitates before revealing a shocking truth: she's a former member of the pack, and her markings are a symbol of her past loyalty.
Elsa's eyes narrow. "Why should we trust you?"
The old woman's gaze meets Elsa's. "Because I've seen the destruction the pack is capable of. I want to help you stop them."
Nicholas sheathes his sword. "We need all the help we can get. Let's move."
As they flee into the night, Gravill wonders if they've made a mistake trusting the old woman. But for now, she's their only hope.