Apophis

The moon hung low in the sky, casting a sickly yellow glow over the forest. A chill wind rustled through the trees, sending leaves skittering across the ground. In the distance, the sound of laughter echoed through the night. It was Halloween, and the wolves of the forest had gathered around a bonfire for their annual autumn celebration.

Apophis, a grey-furred wolf with eyes as cold as ice, stood at the edge of the group. He was the only one who didn't seem to share in the revelry. His ears were flat against his head, and his tail was tucked tightly between his legs. He hated every wolf he met, but especially on nights like this.

The laughter from the bonfire grew louder, and a particularly boisterous howl cut through the air. It was then that he saw her: a lone she-wolf, her coat as white as snow, standing at the edge of the trees, watching the party with a wistful expression. Something about her caught his eye, and despite his better judgment, he found himself drawn to her.

As he inched closer, he noticed that her ears were folded back against her head, and her tail was held low, as if she was trying to make herself as small as possible. She was smaller than the other wolves, and there was a delicacy to her movements that belied her strength. He realized then that she was an outcast, like himself, and for a fleeting moment, he felt a strange kinship with her.

He cleared his throat, trying to muster up the courage to speak to her. "You don't seem to be enjoying yourself," he said, his voice rough and unpracticed.

She tensed, her ears twitching in his direction, but she didn't turn around. "It's not that," she replied, her voice soft and distant. "I just... I don't belong here."

Something in his chest twisted at her words. He understood that feeling all too well. "Neither do I," he said, taking a step closer. "But sometimes... sometimes you just have to find your own kind of belonging, you know?"The white she-wolf looked up at him, her eyes wide and filled with uncertainty. "I don't know," she whispered. "I've never really had a pack before."

Something in Apophis' chest ached at her words. "Then maybe it's time you found one," he said, his voice gentler than he expected. "Maybe I could... show you what it's like."

Her eyes widened further, and for a moment, he thought she might bolt. But then, slowly, she dipped her head in acknowledgement. "Alright," she whispered. "I'll... I'll give it a try."

He nodded, feeling a surge of relief and excitement at her words. "Great," he replied, his voice stronger now. "My name's Apophis, by the way." She stares at him and replied" mine is Xin".

As he introduced himself, he took a step closer, careful not to overwhelm her. She tentatively reached out her hand, and after a moment's hesitation, he took it in his own. Her grip was surprisingly firm, and for a brief moment, their eyes met. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a connection that went beyond words.

"So, Xin," he said, using her name for the first time, "what do you like to do? What's your story?"She looked away, seemingly deep in thought. "Well, I don't have much of a story to tell," she began. "I was born alone in the wild, and raised by a pack of wolves that didn't quite accept me as one of their own. I've always been different, I guess.."

Apophis nodded, understanding her words all too well. "