I remember the night Liam found me—broken, bleeding, my leg snapped in the ravine. The full moon hung low, and I thought I was dying. Then came the howl, the blur of silver fur, the heat of his breath as he dragged me through thorns. He didn’t eat me. He carried me home.

Now, I live on the edge of the forest, same as him. By day, he’s a silent man with storm-gray eyes. By night, he guards the woods. But people are vanishing. Hunters blame wolves. They don’t see the truth—I can feel something changing in me.

Last night, I woke outside, barefoot in the dirt, my hands stained with moss and blood. I don’t remember walking. But I remember the dream: running. Fast. Hungry.

Tonight, Liam stands at my door, fur bristling, ears flat. His human voice is gravel: 'They’re coming for you tomorrow. We have to choose—run into the deep woods… or let them burn you.'

He steps closer, nose nearly touching mine. 'But if we go, you won’t come back. And you might not stay… human.' His golden eyes search mine, waiting