I tightly clutched the Pendant that Vito had given me.
A thin layer of sweat formed in my palm.
My heart raced, almost bursting out of my chest.
I felt like a frightened little deer, desperate to find a place to hide.
Vito's figure, turning to confront the pursuing enemies, was deeply etched in my mind.
So brave.
So resolute.
I dared not look back.
I ran down the stairs with all my might.
Terrified that if I turned around, I would see those terrifying figures.
Clack, clack, clack.
The sound of high heels striking the metal stairs echoed around me.
The sound struck my nerves like a death knell, pounding relentlessly.
I dashed to the first floor.
With a forceful shove, I flung open the door.
Stumbling, I ran outside.
I plunged into the cold wind of midnight New York.
The biting wind sliced across my cheeks like a knife.
As the chill hit me, my foggy mind cleared just a bit.
At least I knew I had to run.
I had to survive.
Taking a deep breath,
I tried hard to calm myself down.
Panic would only make it easier for them to catch me.
Stay calm.
I keep telling myself.
I need to escape.
I need to find Vito.
We have to leave this hellish place together.
I look around.
The center of New York City is bright and bustling with people.
Yet, this vibrant scene only amplifies my feelings of loneliness and helplessness.
I blend into the crowd.
Trying to remain inconspicuous.
I don’t want to become a target for anyone's attention.
I know the Night Wolf Clan is after me.
They were like a pack of sharks sensing blood.
Relentless in their pursuit.
I needed to find a safe place to hide.
At least somewhere I could feel secure for a moment.
I needed to catch my breath.
To think about what to do next.
I walked down the street,
my gaze scanning the surroundings warily.
Every little rustle made my nerves tense.
Suddenly, a wave of danger washed over me.
It was cold and lethal, like the flick of a snake's tongue.
I turned around sharply.
My heart sank suddenly.
A tall figure stood behind me.
The streetlight cast a glow that outlined his stern features.
It was Karl.
A member of the Night Wolf Clan.
The arch-enemy of Vito.
And my nightmare.
He smiled ominously.
Step by step, he approached.
Like a cat toying with its prey.
"Little girl, you can't escape," he said, his voice low and raspy.
A demon from hell.
Bringing with it a chilling aura.
I took a step back.
Then turned and ran.
I knew I couldn't fall into his hands.
Tap, tap, tap.
The sound of high heels striking the pavement.
I ran desperately forward.
Using every ounce of strength I had.
Not daring to look back.
I feared seeing his grotesque face.
I was afraid my steps would falter because of it.
I know.
If he catches me, I'm done for.
I absolutely cannot let him catch me.
I ran into a narrow alley.
Hoping to shake him off.
Even if there's only a glimmer of hope,
I must seize it.
The alley is dark and damp,
Reeking with an unpleasant odor.
The filth in the trash bins emits a foul stench.
I sprinted down the alley,
The uneven cobblestones nearly causing me to stumble several times.
A loud crash echoed behind me.
My heart raced.
I turned to look.
Carl had actually smashed through the wall and appeared behind me.
He looked like a demon clawing its way out of hell.
His speed was terrifying.
I had no chance to escape.
My hopes shattered like a soap bubble in an instant.
He grabbed my hair.
With a brutal force, he slammed me to the ground.
I felt as if my scalp was being ripped away.
I let out a scream.
I felt as if my bones were about to break.
A sharp pain shot through my tailbone.
"Where do you think you can escape to?"
Carl sneered, his eyes gleaming with a cruel light.
He resembled a bloodthirsty beast.
He raised his fist.
I closed my eyes, desperately awaiting the impending pain.
At that moment, a howl echoed through the night sky.
It shattered the silence of the alley.
A massive shadow descended from the sky.
It sent Carl flying.
I opened my eyes.
I saw my guardian.
It was Vito.
He had transformed into a wolf.
His entire being radiated a powerful aura.
Like a deity descending to earth.
He stood before me,
protecting me,
glaring fiercely at Carl,
like a mother wolf guarding her cubs.
"Cal, if you lay a finger on her, I will make sure you have no place to be buried!"
Vito's voice was low and filled with a murderous intent.
It carried an undeniable authority.
Cal climbed to his feet, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth.
His eyes were filled with resentment.
"Vito, how long do you think you can protect her?"
He sneered.
"Today, both of you will die!"
His tone was brimming with confidence, as if victory was already assured.
He lunged at him again.
Vito met him head-on.
The two beast-like figures became entangled.
They fought fiercely in the narrow alley.
The sound of fists striking flesh echoed in the confined space.
I hid behind Vito.
Watching them clash.
Fear and worry filled my heart.
My hand tightly gripped the Pendant.
As if it were my talisman.
Though Vito had transformed into a wolf, gaining immense strength,
he was still injured.
Exhaustion was setting in.
I could see it clearly.
His movements were becoming slower and slower.
Karl was growing more and more fierce.
Every strike was lethal.
He fought like a madman.
All he wanted was to put Vito to death.
I knew it.
At this rate, Vito would lose.
I couldn't just stand by and watch him die.
I had to do something.
I couldn't just hide behind him.
Being a useless burden.
I looked around.
Searching for a weapon.
Anything I could use to fight back.
My gaze fell upon a shard of glass.
In the dim light, it reflected a cold glimmer.
I picked up the shard of glass.
Clutching it tightly in my hand.
The sharp edge cut into my palm.
But I felt no pain.
As Karl was about to deliver a fatal blow to Vito,
I charged forward.
With all his strength, he thrust the shards of glass toward Karl's eyes.
Karl let out a scream, clutching his eyes as he collapsed to the ground.
Blood poured from between his fingers.
Vito lunged forward, sinking his teeth into Karl's throat.
The brutal battle came to an end.
Karl convulsed a few times before lying still.
His body gradually grew cold, and with it, his life slipped away.
Vito walked up to me, concern evident in his eyes.
He transformed back into his human form and gently caressed my cheek.
"Are you alright, Marina?"
His voice was soft and deep, carrying a hint of barely perceptible tremor.
I shook my head, tears streaming down my face.
I held him tightly, feeling the warmth of his body.
"Vito, let's get out of here. It's too dangerous."
My voice choked with emotion, tinged with a hint of sobbing.
Vito nodded slightly.
He embraced me.
We walked along the narrow alley, hoping to find an exit.
Ahead, I spotted a familiar figure.
My heart sank once more.
It was Emily.
A member of the Night Wolf Clan.
She was also an ally of Karl.
She held a sniper rifle.
Aiming at us.
The dark muzzle of the gun resembled the eye of death.
Not good.
We are surrounded!
This thought flashed through my mind.
Despair washed over me once more.
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