A snuffling noise and then the sound of a growl had her jumping to her feet. She backed away from the gate as it slowly slid open. She couldn't take her eyes away from that ever-widening gap. The nose that pushed through was higher than she'd thought possible and she gasped, terror making her shake.
"No," she breathed. "Please..."
It was a wolf, but one unlike any she'd seen before. It was huge, its fur thick and very soft looking. The wolf's eyes were a startling green and strangely intelligent. It stared at her, moving out of the way of the closing gate. However, it didn't stalk her. No, it took two more steps toward her and then sat.
Ariana could feel its eyes on her, and she froze, unable to move. Her breathing was harsh and raspy as she slowly held out the rest of the bread, letting it drop from her hand. The wolf never moved; it didn't even glance at the bread.
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