Sentinels of Safety

Nathan's eyes locked onto mine, and he shouted commands to his guys. "Surround her! Protect Jacqueline!" The guards shaped a defensive circle around me, their weapons drawn. Nathan dismounted speedily, his presence a beacon of protection in chaos.

"Jacqueline, are you harm?" he requested urgently, his gaze scanning me for accidents.

"No, just shaken," I answered, clutching the walking stick tightly.

Nathan nodded, his expression stern as he addressed the wolves. "Back off!" he commanded, his voice resonating with authority. The wolves hesitated, their aggression wavering.

One of Nathan's men improved, brandishing a spear. "They won't attack us right here," he reassured him.

The wolves, sensing the shift in strength, retreated slowly into the woodland, their growls fading into the distance. Relief washed over me, and I collapsed to my knees, beaten by means of the close to miss.