The howls outside intensified, drawing nearer and becoming more threatening. My chest constricted as I looked out the window once more. Those bright yellow eyes in the forest weren't merely observing—they were shifting, encircling. My gut urged me to flee, to take Chloe and distance ourselves from this location as much as we could. However, I was unable to. Not with Ruth, Cindy, and the others who are downstairs.
I turned around, Chloe wriggling in my embrace. She remained in her wolf shape, her gentle growls and small yips resonating against my chest. "We're okay," I whispered to her, trying to reassure myself more than her. "We're okay."
However, we were not.
The impact of a heavy object striking the front door broke the delicate tranquility, succeeded by muted cries and the clear noises of a struggle erupting downstairs. My stomach sank.