Minty's Journey: Echoes of the Enchanted Forest

Chapter 14

The forest was eerily quiet when Fira, Eldin, and Pip returned to their campsite. They had gathered supplies from the nearby town, eager to return to Minty's side. However, what they found shattered their hearts.

"Minty!" Fira cried out, dropping the supplies as she rushed forward.

There, lying on the ground amidst the scattered remnants of her broken wheelchair, was Minty. Her fur was matted with blood, and her paralyzed legs sprawled awkwardly.

Eldin and Pip gasped in horror as they knelt beside her. "What happened?" Eldin asked urgently, his hands trembling as he inspected Minty's injuries.

"The wolves... they came back," Minty managed to whisper, her voice strained with pain. "They... they destroyed my wheelchair."

Fira clenched her fists, her eyes burning with fury. "Those beasts," she muttered through gritted teeth. "We should have been here."

Pip gently lifted Minty into his arms, mindful of her injuries. "We need to get her to safety," he said firmly, his voice wavering with concern.

Eldin nodded, his mind racing with thoughts of how they could protect Minty now. "Let's find a secure place," he suggested, his voice steady despite the chaos around them.

Together, they carried Minty deeper into the forest, away from the site of the attack. With each step, Fira kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, her senses alert for any sign of the wolves' return.

"We'll make a shelter," Pip decided, his gaze flickering with determination. "Somewhere safe until we figure out our next move."

They settled Minty into a makeshift bed of leaves and blankets, surrounding her with the supplies they had brought back. Fira tended to her wounds as best as she could, her hands gentle yet resolute.

"I'm so sorry, Minty," Fira murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "We'll rebuild your wheelchair. We'll protect you."

Minty managed a weak smile, her eyes filled with gratitude despite the pain. "Thank you," she whispered hoarsely. "I'm sorry... I couldn't fight them off."

"You're not alone," Eldin assured her, his voice unwavering. "We're in this together."

As night fell over the forest, casting shadows that whispered of danger, Minty's friends stood guard. They knew their journey had taken a perilous turn, but their resolve remained unshaken. Together, they would face whatever challenges awaited them, united by their bond and their unwavering determination to protect one another.