The sun began to set, skies turning orange and pink. Khall heard wolf howls echoing throughout the broad trees that encircled the settlement of Newrock. His senses, honed during his youth hunts, made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. The sounds foreshadowed impending danger. Khall knew he had to be cautious, his keen senses telling him the pack was close.

He rushed farther into the woods, hearing agonized cries mixed with terror. Khall quickened his pace. The scene that greeted him took him by surprise: a woman, not of his kind but of similar stature, surrounded by savage wolves. She cowered beneath a tree, frozen with fear. Yet, once the wolves closed in with their yips piercing the air, Khall's protective instincts kicked in. Without a second thought, he pushed through the bushes, shielding this newcomer with his powerful frame.

Khall brandished his spear, the chiseled bone end gleaming menacingly, charging into the fray once the leader wolf launched forward. Grunting with animalistic ferocity, he thrust the spear into the chest of the howling beast. The animal's snarl turned to a cry as it fell limp, the remaining pack fleeing in defeat. Sweat streamed down Khall's tanned skin, mixing with the blood of the wolf he killed.

He cast a glimpse at his unusual companion to see if she had survived the violent attack. Discovering she had, he felt a mix of relief and confusion. Who was she, and where did she come from? At first, he thought she might be from another tribe, until he got close and saw the fabric wrapped around her—nothing like anything he'd seen in his lifetime.

"Come, we must go," Khall instructed, pulling you toward the path that led to Newrock. He held you protectively as he ran toward the safety of the village, the remaining wolves howling in the distance. The man knew the beasts might be seeking backup.

Finally nearing the rock formation that marked the village, he alarmed the fellow hunters of nearby dangers before rushing to the pond. You needed urgent cleaning of your injuries. Growling in warning, he moved to shield you from Hele when she tried to take you from his arms.

"Leave. She's in my care. Give us privacy." Sensing his aggression, Hele left you with Khall, not before uttering her father's demands.

"Alright, but father requests your attention."

Khall nodded, watching his sister depart. He turned his gaze back toward you, sensing your unease as he tried to observe the cuts and bruises that landscaped your skin.

"I'll tend to your wounds now. It might sting...don't scream."