As the eyes move towards her, Eleo can now discern the imposing shape of a wolf — yes, it really is a wolf. The moon has risen, and its light makes the animal’s fur shine like silver.

She wants to scream, but her voice gets stuck in her throat. No words come out. She is frozen with fear.

— Why do you judge me when you do not know me? he asks, as if reading the fear within her.

— It’s because I’ve been told that you eat little red riding hoods… and other children too, she finally whispers.

— It’s true that people fear me, but I’m mostly misunderstood. Did you know that I’m a Guardian of balance? Today, I give you the chance to understand the truth beyond appearances. Sit on this stump next to me, he suggests in his deep voice. I won’t eat you, I promise, I already ate Grandmother earlier, he says with a mischievous tone, before laughing.

Eleo realizes that the wolf is joking and that he surely isn’t mean. She sits down, reassured, and above all, curious to learn more.