Four

Eva's heart pounded as she tried to understand what just happened. Her eyes darted to where the figure had disappeared, the adrenaline coursing through her veins. She quickly scanned the surroundings, her senses on high alert.

"It was a wolf," Eva finally managed to say, her voice shaky. "A huge, dark wolf." She could feel her siblings' eyes on her, their expressions a mix of fear and confusion. The air was thick with tension as they all sat frozen in the car, waiting for any signs of danger.

Eddie clung to Eva's arm, his grip tightening. "But wolves aren't supposed to be here," he whispered, his voice filled with disbelief. "Are they going to attack us?"

Millie leaned closer to her brother, her voice barely above a whisper. "We have to get out of here, Eva. We can't stay." Her eyes mirrored Eva's determination, both of them knowing that they couldn't risk the safety of their family. “Please, Eva. Take us away from here. The baby needs to be safe, too.” Millie continued to say.

Eva took a deep breath, her racing mind calculating their next move. She knew they couldn't stay on the road, exposed and vulnerable. They needed to find a place to hide; somewhere they could devise a plan.

"Everyone, buckle up," Eva said, her voice steady. "We're going to find a safe place, somewhere far from here." With a determined look in her eyes, she put the car into gear and accelerated, leaving the mysterious wolf behind.

As they drove in search of refuge, Eva's mind raced with possibilities. Could the presence of the wolf mean danger was closer than they thought? Or was it just a coincidence, a lone animal crossing their path? Either way, Eva knew they couldn't let their guard down.

Eva gripped the steering wheel tightly as she continued to navigate through the storm. Rain pounded against the windshield, making it difficult to see what lay ahead. The wipers squeaked and strained against the onslaught, but Eva's determination pushed her forward.

The run-down hotel appeared through a haze of rain, its weary exterior barely visible in the stormy night. The flickering neon sign struggled to illuminate the parking lot, casting an eerie glow on the deserted surroundings. It was a sad place, seemingly forgotten by time.

Eva pulled up to the entrance, the rain pelting against the car in a relentless downpour. The hotel's facade was worn and faded, its windows cracked and broken. It was far from ideal, but it offered shelter from the raging storm.

As they exited the car, the rain-soaked them instantly, drenching their clothes and making their hair cling to their faces. The wind howled through the desolate parking lot, adding urgency to their situation.

Huddled together, Eva led her siblings through the dimly lit lobby, the air heavy with the scent of dampness and neglect. The front desk stood abandoned, papers scattered and peeling wallpaper revealing the hotel's faded grandeur.

Eva's heart sank at the sight, wondering what perils and secrets this forsaken place held. But for now, it provided cover from the raging storm and offered a temporary haven until they could assess their situation.

They found their way to a room on the second floor, their footsteps echoing in the empty hallways. The door creaked open, revealing a musty room with worn-out furniture and a faint scent of decay. Water dripped from the ceiling, creating a dissonant symphony with the unrelenting rain outside.

Eva quickly closed the door behind them, shutting out the howling wind and the constant pattern of raindrops against the windowpane. Despite the dilapidated state of the room, it offered a sense of safety amidst the chaos raging outside.

As they gathered together in the room, their clothes clinging to them and their hair dripping, Eva's gaze met those of her siblings. They were tired, soaked to the bone, and apprehensive, but their determination remained unbroken.

"Let's dry off and gather our thoughts," Eva said, her voice reassuring. "We'll figure out our next move in the morning once the storm has passed."

They stripped off their wet clothes, wrapping themselves in whatever dry blankets they could find. As they sat on the creaking bed, rain drumming against the window, they huddled together, finding solace in each other's presence.

Eva stared down at the newborn baby's face and prayed that everything would be alright. She wondered if Sebastian was still alive and they would ever see each other again.

With the storm raging outside, Eva's mind raced with questions and uncertainties. But for the moment, they were safe, sheltered in this forgotten hotel, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead when morning came.

Millie and Eddie were soon fast asleep and Eva wanted to break down in tears but she refused to let it overwhelm her.