Sumaya's heart thudded gently as she stepped into the clearing, and there — standing in the center — was the black wolf.
It's fur gleamed like silk in the faint light breaking through the canopy, and its golden eyes locked onto hers, glowing softly like embers in the twilight. But there was something else in that gaze, something gentle, almost longing, like it had been waiting for her.
Sumaya felt a small smile tug at the corners of her lips, surprising herself. Why do I feel like I've missed you? The sense of connection was so deep and strange, as though she had known this creature her whole life.
With slow, careful steps, she began to move forward, her hands loose by her sides, palms slightly open.
