Hera glances at Wrema, surprised at the girl's expression. It might not be a lylek, but whatever kind of wolf this was, it looked more than capable of hurting them if it wanted to. Yet Wrema's look wasn't one of fear.

Hera took a few breaths, then made herself turn again, around the tree, to look out at the creature.

The wolf had gone still now. It's also clearly watching them, its red eyes so bright in the shade beneath the trees. Hera wonders if the wolf could sniff them in the air, was deciding whether they were prey, or worth any kind of pursuit.

At the same time, the longer she looked at the wolf's dark coat, red eyes, its paws tucked into the ground, she had a strange inkling, like she'd seen some creature like it somewhere before.

Before she had much time to consider this, the wolf finally moved. It turned from them, stepping back through the trees, deeper into the forest. Hera remains still until she's sure it's not coming back.

"All right," she says, softly. "Let's keep moving."