The cry of the wolf

Previously

…He turned back towards the cabin, the wolf limping faithfully by his side. The lantern light bobbed gently, casting a warm glow that pushed back the encroaching darkness. He had accepted his role, his connection to this ancient place and its extraordinary inhabitant. The heartwood of the forest had secrets, and Carter was now a part of them. He had become a guardian, and in doing so, he had finally found his own true north. The path ahead was uncertain, but for the first time, Carter felt utterly, undeniably, at peace.