Nira pushed through the tall ferns at the edge of the Whispering Woods. Something silver moved beneath a birch tree. She knelt and saw a wolf curled in the moss.
A wooden whistle hung from the wolf's collar. Nira picked it up gently. She dug in her pocket and pulled out a shiny red apple.
The wolf sniffed the apple and — achoo! — a shower of golden sparkles flew from its nose. Nira dropped the apple and stepped back. The wolf whimpered and nudged its nose toward the deep forest.
Nira followed the wolf into the Whispering Woods. Birds called in pairs: 'Find the path! Find the path!' A stream blocked their way.
Floating stones rose from the water, lighting up one by one. Nira stepped onto the first stone. It glowed green under her boot. The wolf trotted across behind her.
They reached a wide clearing. At the tree line, a pack of glowing wolves appeared — their fur shimmering silver and blue. The silver wolf barked once.
Nira raised the wooden whistle to her lips and blew. The sound rang clear like a bell through the trees. Every wolf's ears perked up.
The silver wolf leaped forward. The pack surrounded it, nuzzling and wagging tails. Soft howls rose into the twilight sky.
Nira walked back to the village with the silver wolf trotting at her heel. The witch on the corner stopped sweeping her porch.
The townsfolk stepped out of their doorways and watched in silence. A little boy stepped forward, hand outstretched.
The wolf lowered its head and let the boy pat it. Its blue glow softened like a night light.
Nira smiled and looked up. The first star appeared in the deep blue sky — and the wolf's glow matched it perfectly.
