Chapter 41
Yes, the wolf looks dangerous and hungry. But she is a living creature, and you cannot leave her trapped in a cage. You couldn’t live with yourself if you did that, especially when you have a chance to set her free.
Besides, the wolf won’t hurt you. She will surely understand that you’re on her side. Animals sense things like that.
You grab the key off the wall. Slowly, you approach the cage, key in hand. You allow her to sniff your hand, so she’ll get used to the scent of you, but she lets out a growl, and you pull your hand away before she bites it off.
“Hey, girl,” you say, “I’m going to let you out of there.”
The wolf lets out another growl, and a glob of saliva drips from her lips. You’re not entirely sure how to interpret that, and you don’t try too hard.
You fit the key into the lock with hands that are only slightly shaking. For a moment, it doesn’t turn, and you think that all this buildup was for nothing, but then you apply a little more force, and you hear a click.
Slowly, you pull open the cage door. You take a step back, bracing yourself for the wolf to leap up and rip you limb from limb. But to your surprise, the wolf does not claw you limb from limb. In fact, she doesn’t move at all.
“Go!” you hiss at the animal. “You’re free! Get out of here before they eat you!”
But the wolf does not budge.
Stupid wolf.
Well, that was all for nothing. As the saying goes, you can open a wolf’s cage, but you can’t make her leap out and rip out the throats of everyone in the house.
Sighing, you leave the room and head back downstairs.
Turn to Chapter 42 (page 102)