The Beast Beneath the Moon

. His senses were heightened, sharper than ever before. The world around him seemed more alive-every rustle of a distant animal, every whisper of the wind, every crackle of a b

ough it was always there, simmering beneath his

rest around him seemed clearer, more vivid. Every leaf that fluttered down to the forest floor felt like it was being etched into his memory. His blood thrummed with raw,

accustomed to the wild, her dark hair swaying with the breeze. Her aura was calm, almost ethereal, as though the night itself ha

a certain quiet strength in it, a power that resonated deep within his chest.

of being confined, of being anything less than wild and free. But Haruki didn't know how to contain it. The fear of losing himself-of be

trace of the growl he could no longer suppress. His hands clenched into fists, the claws scraping against the bark of th

nd gently on his arm, her touch grounding him in the whirlwind of emotions that swirled inside

tly into his eyes, her gaze unwavering. "You are a protector. You carry the le

wanted to believe her, but how could he? How could he accept a power that felt so foreign, so dangerous? He could feel the

ords. "How do you expect me to believe that? How do you expect me t

his body. She didn't flinch, didn't look away. "The wolf is a part of you, Haruki. It is not a curse, but

the beast was listening to her words, taking them in, uncertain whether to accept or reject them. Haruki closed his eyes, tr

t him. "You will learn to master it, Haruki. But you must first accept t

oice was barely a whisper, fear lacing his words.

ith quiet conviction. "But you will face challenges. You will face tests that will push you to your limits. The power you

stakes were higher than he had realized. He was not just struggling with his own transformation-there w

turies, but now it stirs. The ancient pact between the wolves and the humans is weakening

hort bursts. "I'm just one person. How can I

one. You are part of a lineage that has protected this world for generations. You are not just any

on him. His thoughts swirled, uncertain and full of fear. The wolf within him stirre

itted quietly. "What

entle against his skin. "Fear is natural, Haruki. But it can

the girl's words resonated deep within him. Maybe he was more than just a monste

e asked, his voice steadying

to the heart of the wolf's domain. There lies

en know if he could truly control the wolf-but he had to try. There was too much at stake. An

wed her into the darkened forest, the path ahead unc