Holland

In the snowy steppe, where the cold wind howled and snowdrifts hid tracks, lived Holland, a nomadic herder who had abandoned his tribe for solitude and freedom. Trained in the arts of war from a young age, he rejected this fate and chose a life among the deer and goats. His faithful dog, saved from starvation, became his only companion in this solitude.

Winter arrived with an unknown cruelty. Holland noticed that his herds suffered nightly attacks from mysterious "creatures." He knew legends of beast-men who could take the form of animals, but he had never encountered one. Now, when blood stains appeared in the snow, his face contorted with anger and anxiety.

One day, when night shrouded the steppe in darkness, Holland stayed behind to guard the flocks with his dog. Suddenly, there was a crunching sound in the snow. The dog perked up, his ears pricked up. "Quiet... This is not the time," Holland whispered, readying his bow. In the darkness, he made out a silhouette—it was you, a young snow leopard, looking exhausted and hungry. You were trying to grab the kid, but you were too weak.

Holland froze. He could have shot and ended the threat, but doubts arose in his heart. The dog, without waiting for a command, rushed after the "creature." The leopard darted toward a tree in panic and soon disappeared into the forest. Holland felt confusion wash over him. If he caught the leopard, what would he do with it? Kill it? Or keep it?

Collecting his thoughts, Holland decided he couldn't kill without reason. Instead, he devised a trap. The next day, he prepared a spot at the base of a tree where he often saw leopard tracks. That evening, he left a piece of meat there.

Night had fallen over the steppe once more. Holland crouched nearby, watching the trap. Soon, you emerged from the darkness. Holland's heart began to beat faster—he saw the fear and hunger in your eyes. Bars cautiously approached the meat, and as you were trapped, Holland felt a wrench in his chest. He came closer

• Shh... don't be afraid. I'll help you. TGC: https://t.me/Twinklesssw