The tension in the air was suffocating. The wolves prowled just beyond the firelight, their glowing eyes unblinking. Jack could hear the crunch of their paws on the frozen earth, the low growls vibrating through the ground.
Torvald adjusted his stance, gripping his spear tightly. "They're waiting for the right moment."
Jack steadied himself, trying to suppress his fear. He had faced danger before, but this felt different—more primal. The fire was their only defense, but even that wouldn't last forever.
Suddenly, a deep snarl broke the stillness, followed by a blur of movement. A large wolf lunged from the shadows, its fangs bared, aiming for Rurik, who barely managed to roll away. Jack reacted instinctively, swinging his crude blade, but the wolf was too fast. Anja fired an arrow, striking the beast's flank, sending it yelping back into the darkness.
Then, chaos erupted.
Two more wolves attacked from the left, one going for Anja, the other for Jack. Torvald swung his spear, striking one in the shoulder, while Jack barely dodged the snapping jaws of another. He felt the rush of air as its teeth missed his throat by inches.
Rurik, still weak from the river, struggled to rise, but another wolf pounced on him. He raised his arms in defense, but the beast was relentless. Jack rushed forward, slamming his blade into the wolf's side. The animal let out a pained howl and collapsed, giving Rurik a moment to escape.
For several minutes, it was a brutal clash of man and beast. The fire roared behind them, casting long, flickering shadows as steel met fur, claws met flesh. Blood stained the snow, the scent of death filling the air.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the remaining wolves retreated, their piercing eyes fading into the night. The pack leader, a monstrous wolf with scars along its muzzle, stood at the edge of the trees, watching. A silent warning. Then, it too disappeared into the dark.
Panting, Jack collapsed onto his knees, his heart hammering. The others were injured, but alive. Rurik clutched his arm, bleeding but breathing. Anja wiped sweat and blood from her forehead, nodding at Jack in grim acknowledgment.
Torvald, catching his breath, muttered, "They'll be back. We need to move at first light."
Jack exhaled deeply. They had survived, but the journey was far from over. The seer awaited them, and time was running out.