The creature fully stepped into the clearing, and Sarah's breath catches in her throat. It was a huge wolf, its fur dark as night, rippling with muscle. The golden eyes had a sun-glint, now full of intelligence and menace. The children huddled closer to each other, lines of fear etched into their faces.
"Stay back!" Elara shouted, stepping protectively in front of Sarah. "We won't let you take her!
The wolf cocked its head to one side, showing no sign of being disturbed by this act of rebellion. Its neck cavern issued a low rumble, and the earth shook under Sarah's feet. She had read about such creatures: guards of this realm, keepers of ancient mysteries. These were not myths; these were living things-and here she was, smack in the middle of it all.
"What is it?" Sarah asked Elara, speaking only just above a whisper.
It's a Shadow Beast, Elara said, not taking her gaze from the beast. They are attracted to fear and chaos. If we exhibit that we are not afraid of it, it might just leave us alone.
In her mind, everything just started racing. She felt no chance of being brave. All she could think of was the throbbing fear in her chest. However, when she looked at those children around her, she felt a spark of determination. If they were going to face that beast together, she needed to stand strong.
With deepened breath, Sarah shoved her way forward, moving Elara out of her way. "You don't scare me!" she shouted at the top of her lungs, though her voice didn't feel this brave.
His regard had fallen on hers, his glint with piercing so sending a shiver through her frame. "Do you think to intimidate me by bluster?" seemed what it said, but Sarah could have sworn she saw something akin to surprise flash in its eyes.
"Do not fight us," she continued, her voice stronger now. "We mean you no malice. We just want to know about this place.".
The beast tilted its head again, as if weighing her words. The growl paled, becoming a low rumble that vibrated deep inside his chest. Sarah could feel the tension in the air lessen as the beast relaxed a little.
" Maybe it knows something of your heart, " Elara whispered, her voice a mix of awe and terror.
As the creature drew near, Sarah felt an overwhelming urge to stretch out. She put out a hand, palm opened, towards the creature. "Please, we're not enemies," she whispered.
The wolf paused, golden eyes narrowing as it sized her up. Time suspended, and Sarah felt a sort of connection reaching out between them, a bond of understanding. Finally, the wolf took another step forward, lowering his huge head toward her. Tentatively, she ran her fingers against his fur. It was warm and surprisingly soft.
A collective gasp from the children, but Sarah didn't bat an eye. The Shadow Beast took a deep breath, its breath warm on her skin as if it were trying to understand her very essence. Then, almost immediately, it pulled away and melted back into the shadows that brought it into the world, leaving behind an unsettling silence.
"We did it!" Elara said in a voice tinged with skepticism. "You cooled it off!
Sarah turned to the group, a wave of relief washing over her. "I didn't mean to," she whispered, her heart pulsing in her throat. "I just … I felt like it needed to know that I wasn't afraid."
The children erupted into cheers around her, congratulatory and excited, the moment of fear turned into something remarkable.
You have a gift, Sarah, said one of the boys, his eyes sparkling. You can talk to animals!
As they told tales of valor and conquests, the sun went down, casting a golden light across the meadow. Sarah realizes that she is no longer in the same world but has also discovered in herself a spark of courage she never knew existed.
"Let's camp here for tonight, only," Elara said with a new-air resolution. "Tomorrow, we will look about and see how to get you home."
She agreed. Gathering branches and leaves, they fashioned what would be their temporary shelter. As they settled in around the fire, Sarah felt a waves of belonging wash over her. For the first time she felt she didn't belong; rather, she was exactly where she belonged.
That night, under the stars actually covering the sky, Sarah's mind worked out all possible scenarios. She was now in a fantasy world with magical beings and people believing her existence. What adventures awaited her in Eldoria? And could she really go back home?