The wolf’s paws pressed into the wet sand, leaving dark prints as it approached with unnerving silence. There was no warning growl, no sudden lunge, just a steady advance and an intense stare. Noemi wanted to reach the dunes or call for help, but she couldn’t tell which movement might provoke it. Even the smallest action felt like a terrible gamble.
Her heart hammered against her ribs as the wolf drew closer. Noemi forced herself to breathe, knowing that running could make everything worse. The animal was now close enough for her to see the wet fur clinging to its muzzle and the sharp teeth between its parted jaws. Trapped between the wolf and the distant cottages, she wondered whether she would escape the beach unharmed.