Astrid runs through the dark forest, her breath fast and laboured from running as fast as she can. Visibility is poor due to the dark clouds obscuring the moons, but she knows her pursuers will find her if she can not get to the Sanctuary in time.
"I can smell you! Your blood and sweat smell intoxicating." A male voice echoes from the trees around her. The voice is much nearer than a few minutes ago. She hears footsteps behind her and looks over her shoulder. The Vampire grins and his hand snakes out and grabs her by the arm. "I told you, you can not run from me."
Astrid whimpers as the Vampire pulls her into an embrace with his mouth against her throat. A black shadow moves behind the man, and a growl is the only warning before the beast rips his head from the neck.
Astrid has time to look into yellow eyes before fatigue and fear take their toll. Her legs give out, and darkness takes her into its arms. The beast catches her before she falls to the ground and walks to a grassy spot under a tree.
Astrid wakes, smelling fire and food. Sunlight is playing through the branches, and she rolls to her feet. A man with shaggy blond hair is sitting with his back to her. "I mean you no harm. Come the food is almost ready."
Astrid walks slowly around the man to sit down opposite the fire. "Who are you?"
"Arnbjorn."
"Just Arnbjorn?"
"Yeah, just Arnbjorn."
After a few minutes of silence, Astrid clears her throat, "I am Astrid, just Astrid."
The man only nods and stand to place a wooden bowl filled with soup in her hand. "Sorry, no utensils." And puts a bowl to his lips and drink hungrily.
"Why were the Vampires after you?"
"I came from Riverwood and did not want to spend the night there. I did not know there is a liar on the road."
Arnbjorn finishes the bowl of soup and refills his bowl. He sits down and stares at Astrid, his eyes ice blue under a prominent brow.
"What happened to the beast?" Astrid says to break the silence.
"You mean the Werewolf?"
"Yes, it saved my life."
Arnbjorn empties the bowl and pushes himself to his feet. Astrid can only stare as the man in front of her bends his back and starts to change. The sound of bones shifting makes Astrid grinds her teeth.
The beast growls at her from across the fire and she knows she must flee but something is holding her back. The beast slowly walks around the fire and pause in front of her, looking into her eyes.
Astrid lifts her shaking hand and touch the beast's nose. The beast growls, but Astrid feels no fear as she moves her hand to the beast's head and runs her hand down its neck. She presses her face against its chest and her fingers play through the coarse hair of its flank.
Astrid inhales the musty smell of the beast and deep down she knows she has found her soulmate.