The Beast heart beat

cloak over the trees. I, Elijah, stood atop a crumbling cliff, moonlight dancing acro

rise – a signal for my body to surrender to the beast within. C

oved ones lost, battles fought, and decades of l

th, and leaves. But then, a whisper of something unexpected carried on the

e from the impending transformation

ew nearer, tea

ivating aroma. The cliff's edge gave way to a winding forest

teasing my senses and quickening my pulse. My heart, alread

clearing ahead. In its center stood an ancient oak, branc

y brown hair cascaded down her spine like chocolate silk, and a book lay open

seemed oblivious to my presence – until her head twi

distant gaze, focusing slowly on

s flying like firefl

hing softly. I remained st

the gentle rustle of leaves and my own heavy bre

wers to unspoken questions. I felt exposed, vulnera

k lashes that cast subtle shadows on her cheeks. My heart, already rac

she stood tall. Our height difference was pronounced – she barely r

, voice like music on the night ai

atically, low and rough

. or perhaps search

wed slightly, curiosity

, scent of vanilla and

e full moon was rising, and this m

er leaving mine. The distance between us shrank,

," she said softly, "and never seen you ar

tension within me. I focused on her words, tryin

wly, choosing my words with care

s. "They can be. But also dan

low in the sky. Did she sense the threat lurking

exchanged names: "I'm Ava. Do you want to walk with

prolonged proximity to a mortal – dangerous with the full moon rising. Yet, her ki

aid finally, falling

I shortened my steps to match hers, enjoying the unusual sensation

ient tree scarred by lightning, a hidden stream babbling

my growing unease. My heart raced faster, senses heightenin

ng at me sideways. "But I sense you're

scape. I clenched my jaw, fighting the transformation – but Ava's

fety – for her, not me. I knew I had to act fa