“Let’s run away,” I whispered, my voice trembling with a sadness I couldn’t hide.
Tala walked over and sat beside me on the fallen log, her presence grounding me like a warm breeze on a cold night. Without saying a word, she took my hands in hers and began to gently rub them.
Her touch was soft, patient—comforting in a way I hadn’t felt in so long. It reminded me of Ruby, my best friend—the only person who had ever truly seen me. She had been my anchor when the world felt too heavy to bear.
And now, Tala’s silent comfort brought that same warmth back to me.
After a few minutes, I broke the silence. “Why do you seem so calm?”
She looked into my eyes, her smile calm and knowing. “I’m a werewolf,” she said simply. “I’ve seen many humans in your position. I can feel your pain.”
Her wor
