Against all normal judgment, Noemi brushed sand from her palms, secured her nerves, and began to walk after it—at a careful distance—leaving the plank where it lay and wondering why a creature that could kill her in a heartbeat wanted her to come along instead.
She tried recalling facts: wolves avoid humans; they rarely roam beaches; a lone wolf often signals illness or desperation. None eased her tightening gut. The animal’s composure suggested purpose, not sickness.