I groaned as the large panther glared its red eyes at me from above—sizing up its next move. I quickly gathered myself from the forest floor, slowly backing away, but never taking my eyes off the threat.
"E-easy," I said, in a terrified whisper.
The large cat remained perfectly still on a sturdy branch, watching as I approached the clearing's edge.
"Don't move. Please don't move. Good kitty," I whispered. " Just stay right there."
SNAP!
I accidentally stepped on a twig, immediately sending the creature into attack mode. It gracefully, but quickly, landed on the ground, racing right toward me.
I let out a terrified scream, backing away as quickly as possible, but landing on my knees as I attempted to escape.
I closed my eyes, preparing for the worst--
When suddenly I heard a HOWLING; I opened my eyes to see the three large wolves attacking the panther.
The panther attempted to fight off the wolves but was forced into a corner. It began to viciously claw at its enemies, landing a blow on the biggest one. He, in turn, bit into the kneck of the panther, throwing the creature like a ragdoll.
The panther let out a pained scream, getting up from the ground and limping away into the brush. Its cries could be heard from a distance until they faded away.
I let out a sigh of relief. But then I remembered who had just saved me. The wolves turned to look at me. Their cold, dark eyes stared at me with no discernible emotion.
They slowly began to make their way toward me—circling me like prey.
I quickly stood up.
"Now, wait just one moment," I said, once again, terrified.
The largest wolf, the alpha, stopped directly in front of me, looking me up and down.
"Please," I pleaded, looking into the blackness of its pupils.
In one fell swoop, the wolf had me in his mouth. Despite its aggressiveness, he held me gently in his mouth, and I could feel his hot breath on my body.
He signaled to the others with his head, and the wolves followed the same path I had followed.
I never stood a chance. Not a single chance against these beasts. They carried me through the forest, and down the same slope where I had first found myself in this new world.
I could see the castle in the distance, and my heart began to race.
"Please let me go," I pleaded with the creatures.
But they did not heed me. The alpha gripped me tightly with his teeth, as he navigated the muddy terrain. Below me, I noticed a patch of red flowers nearby, which looked eerily similar to tulips.
As we passed, one of the flowers opened its ring of petals to reveal rows of teeth, which looked like a human's mouth. Tears filled my eyes, as I realized that this world was not my own.
The wolves made their way down the slope with surprising ease, leading through more brush, before finding our way onto a cobbled street.
I began to fight, knowing what could be waiting for me at the end of the road.
One of the other wolves nipped at me, as I struggled.
"Let me go!" I cried.
The wolves began to hurry down the road, turning down several bends before we found ourselves at a gate.
I let out another cry.
The gate opened, just as I managed to roll out of the wolf's mouth. I fell but was caught immediately by the quickness of the alpha, and I found myself hanging from his mouth.
The gate fully opened, and there stood a young man with dark hair and eyes.
Cold eyes.
He looked at me with an indiscernible expression, staring at me for several moments.
Suddenly, he offered his hand out.
"Welcome home, my bride."