The forest was quiet now. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath as Luna and Ethan stood side by side, their forms half-shifted, half-human, the moonlight casting silver over their fur and skin. The battle had ended, but its echoes lingered in the air. Luna could still feel the surge of power from her first full shift, the adrenaline making every nerve sing.
She looked at Ethan, his golden eyes soft but alert. Even after the fight, his presence was commanding, protective, and overwhelmingly magnetic. Her heart skipped. Every instinct the human part of her, the wolf part knew she belonged here, with him.
“You did amazing,” Ethan said, his voice low, carrying both pride and something deeper. He reached for her hand, letting their fingers intertwine. “Stronger than I imagined. Stronger tha
