That night, laughter filled the halls. Music echoed, glasses clinked, voices blended into something warm and distant. No one came to my door.
I sat on the edge of my bed, fingers gripping the sheets. The moonlight slipped through the window, pale and cold. Not like her. If Mom were here… the door wouldn't be closed.
My wolf stirred, restless. A quiet whine pressed against my throat, but I swallowed it. No one would hear it anyway.
I stood and stepped into the hallway. Empty. Of course it was. Everyone was at the ball. No one noticed when I slipped outside.
The night air hit sharp against my skin. My body shifted, bones stretching, skin tightening—until fur replaced it. Purple. I didn't stop to think. I ran.
Branches snapped beneath my paws as I pushed forward. Faster. Farther. The wind roared past my ears, drowning everything else. Anything to outrun the ache clawing inside my chest.
I didn't slow until the forest changed. The scent hit me first—different, stronger. My steps faltered.
Aetherion territory.
My body tensed, ears twitching for any sound. But the forest stood still. Quiet. Almost… welcoming.
I moved forward anyway.
The trees opened to a lake, smooth as glass under the moonlight. It pulled me closer without reason. I stepped onto a cool stone and sat, staring at my reflection.
Purple fur. Bright eyes. Alone.
A sharp sound cut through the silence.
I froze, then shifted back, crouching behind a rock. My breath slowed as I pressed into the shadows.
And then I saw him.
He stepped into view like he belonged to the night itself. Tall—too tall. The air around him felt heavy, like the forest bent around his presence.
Black hair. Broad shoulders. Moonlight tracing every sharp edge.
He stopped near the water.
Did nothing.
Said nothing.
Just stood there.
His reflection rippled beneath him, and I caught a glimpse of his eyes. Blue. Cold. But not empty. Something flickered beneath the surface, gone before I could understand it.
My wolf stirred again. Not in pain this time—something deeper. A pull. Low. Constant. Unfamiliar.
I stayed still. Hidden. Watching.
Time passed before he finally lay down near the water, one arm behind his head. He looked relaxed, but it felt like an illusion. Even like this, he seemed dangerous. Untouchable.
I waited.
Watched his breathing slow.
Listened until it deepened.
Until I was sure he was asleep.
Then I stepped out.
Careful. Silent.
Not too close. Not too far.
The pull tightened in my chest, confusing and steady. I frowned but didn't stop.
Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out a small piece of paper. My hand hesitated for a second before moving.
Quick strokes. Messy. Honest.
I placed the note on a stone near his hand—close enough to see, far enough to escape.
For a moment, I looked at him again. His eyes were closed now, his face softer, almost peaceful.
Different.
Then I turned and walked away.
I didn't look back.
I didn't stop running until the forest shifted again, until his scent faded… but the feeling didn't.
It stayed.
Quiet. Deep. Unshaken.
I don't know what that was. I don't know why he didn't sense me, or why my wolf felt calm near him.
But something changed tonight.
Something I can't name yet.
And somehow… I know this isn't the last time I'll see him.