It was harder avoiding the branches because I was up a lot higher than other wolves. My body was much larger, which meant that where smaller wolves could duck and weave between trees effortlessly, I had to constantly maneuver around low-hanging limbs, thick brambles, and overgrown brush. My massive paws crushed roots and leaves as I powered through the forest with determination burning in my chest.

Still, I made it towards the border. I wasn’t going to be stopped—not by trees, not ...