There's a more immediate problem first

Valerie grimaced as she saw a giant wolf approach her, a low growl erupting from its throat. She frantically tried to free herself, to no avail. She was now up to mid-thigh in the mud, a sitting duck for the beast. She closed her eyes as it grew ready to pounce.

She heard a _thwip, _and felt a sharp gust of wind as something fast went whistling past her head.

She opened her eyes, to find the beast lying limply on the ground, a crossbow bolt lodged right in between its eyes. She tried to turn around to see who had shot it, but she stopped as even the slightest movement caused her to sink deeper into the mud.

"Got you.", said a voice from behind her. "You're a hard one to track down, you know that?"

A large, hulking figure came into view. Clad in a tank top and camo pants, a giant crossbow was slung behind his back. She couldn't help but notice his rippling muscles as he moved quietly with an assured confidence, like a hunter in his element.

"You must be Valerie.", he continued. "Someone from your organization personally contracted me to safely extract you. You should be thanking her - it's not exactly what I'm known for, in the business."

"W-What's your name? Who asked you to track me?", she asked him, warily.

"Someone called Iris.", he replied. Valerie felt shoulders relax with relief, as he continued, "As for me, I have many names. You can call me Victor."

She felt a tiny bit of alarm upon hearing the name. If he was indeed who he said he was, then she might in more trouble than she was before, on the plane. What had possessed Iris to ask him for help?

"Let me guess - you're thinking, what on Earth made your friend ask him for help? This is a man known for being a remorseless killer, even in the business."

"A killer for hire - one of the deadliest mercenaries alive, available to the highest bidder.", she responded.

"I prefer the term 'freelance assassin', thank you very much."

"What do you want?", she asked with caution.

"Well, first I want to prevent you from dying in that sinkhole. We can talk more once you're out."

Valerie looked down and realized he was right. Her lower body was almost completely submerged in the mud now. She looked at him as he searched the area, finding a large vine that he cut on one end with his knife.

"Here.", he said, as he threw it to her. She caught it, and he began to pull.