Eli, a brave young boy of twelve, was stacking firewood when he heard the distant, eerie howls of wolves echoing through the forest. His heart skipped a beat as he turned his gaze towards the hut where his younger siblings, Lila and Finn, were playing. [@ch_1]Eli[/@ch_1_d]"Stay inside and don't open the door for anyone!"[/@ch_1_d] he called urgently, grabbing a sturdy stick and a lantern from the porch.
Eli took a deep breath, his mind racing for a plan. He knew the wolves were drawn to the warmth and light of the hut. Holding the lantern high, he waved it to create dancing shadows, hoping to confuse the predators. Lila and Finn peeked through a crack in the door, their eyes wide with fear.
Eli realized he needed to divert the wolves' attention away from the hut. He quickly gathered some dry leaves and twigs, setting them alight with the lantern's flame to create a small fire. The crackling sound and the scent of smoke caught the wolves' attention, drawing them closer. "Over here! Follow the light!" [@ch_1]Eli[/@ch_1_d] shouted, backing away slowly, leading them away from his siblings.
Eli gripped the stick tightly, ready to defend himself if necessary. The largest wolf stepped forward, its eyes locked onto Eli's. "I won't let you near them," [@ch_1]Eli[/@ch_1_d] whispered fiercely, standing his ground as the other wolves watched, uncertain.
Eli exhaled a shaky breath, relief flooding through him as the last of the wolves disappeared. He quickly extinguished the fire, ensuring no harm would come to the forest. Turning back to the hut, Eli saw Lila and Finn rushing out to meet him, their faces alight with gratitude.
"You were so brave, Eli!" Lila[/@ch_2_d] exclaimed, hugging her brother tightly. "We knew you'd save us," [@ch_3]Finn[/@ch_3_d] added, his voice full of admiration. [@ch_1]Eli smiled, feeling a sense of pride swell in his chest. "Let's go inside. It's safe now," he said, leading them back to the safety of their home.
