RED HOOD

The wolf

I looked through the crosshair of my crossbow, crouching behind a bush—a white-tailed deer grazing beside the stream.
Its hide would be perfect for Nathanael's project. My finger slowly drifted to the trigger, ready to pull.

"GRRR"

A giant wolf with a jet pelt leaped from the brush across the stream, tackling the deer.
The deer let out a bleat of shock as sharp teeth plunged into its neck. Life left its eyes, and its squirming stopped.

I watched in horror, my body frozen. No one ever told me that the wolves would be giants!? No, I'm not risking my life for a deer pelt!

As I went to move, I lost balance on the stoney ground I crouched atop, and as I braced for the fall, my hand clenched, and the arrow fired. My red hood fell over my face.

Shit!

A pained yelp sounded out of view, and I quickly got to my feet, expecting a chase.
However, as I regained my view of the beast, I saw it knocked back on the ground, an arrow piercing its side.

I stared, my eyes widened. Have I done it? Have I killed my first wolf? I stalked closer, inspecting the animal. It let out a snarl as its dark, black eyes shot open.

I gasped, jumping back as I reached for my knife. How is it still alive? Did that arrow not pierce its heart? I shook my head.

Fine, I'll finish the job! I walked closer, cautious of its jaws. Lowering myself slightly, I drew my knife to its coat. The entire time, it continued to watch me.

I took a deep breath and lifted the knife, preparing to plunge it into the wolf. I noticed its quick breaths steadied, and my eyes shot to the creature's face.

Its eyes fixated on mine, and its once-bared teeth were now concealed behind its lips. It was as if the animal accepted its fate.

I shook my head, looking back at my knife. I hesitated. "Damn... DAMN IT!" I yelled, stabbing the knife into the ground beside it, receiving a flinch from the beast.

"God... I can't — I can't do this." I sighed. I stared at the wolf and gripped the wood of the arrow I had shot. The creature growled, yet I ignored its warning.

I pulled the arrow from its flesh. Just as I did, the animal jumped up and tackled me.
I shrieked and gazed up at the wolf in horror; its teeth bared as a snarl rose from its throat.

I felt the blood leave my face, the hair on the back of my neck standing on end.
I'm so dead. I thought. The creature barked in my face, then ran off.

I took quick, shallow breaths, my heart racing in my chest. "I think I'm about to throw up."