Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Midnight.
The college party hour.
The stumble out of bars hour.
Some might even call it the devil’s hour.

But what most people don’t know: there are worse things lurking in the shadows than a shady guy in an overcoat selling junk tech, or some coked-up stranger with glazed eyes. Worse than a wild animal with claws and teeth.

And as a warning no human knows about…

If you hear something in the trees, or hiding in alleyways—ignore it.
Don’t investigate.
Don’t be brave.
Don’t try to impress anyone.

Someone—let’s say a victim in the making—didn’t heed that unspoken rule.

Mira steps out of the dance practice building, the door closing behind her with a hollow metallic thunk. The fluorescent hallway lights disappear, replaced by the sliver of moonlight reflecting off the Seoul sidewalks. She pulls the zipper of her oversized, paint-splattered jacket up to her chin. Her shoulders ache from hours of choreo drills, and her lungs are still burning from the last routine.

Her phone glows in the dark as she pressed dial with her thumb. She doesn’t need to see the contact name; she calls this person almost every night.

It rings twice before she lifts the phone to her ear.

“Hey! I just left the studio,” she said, breath still a little raspy from practice. “I’m gonna stop at the ramen place before they close. You want anything?”

The person on the other end responded fast — excited, a little too loud, and oddly specific.

Mira snorted. “So you want a ramen bowl and two packs of Saeukkang? You are like a black hole.”

The voice protested, indignant in that familiar way.

“Oh, come on,” she laughed, fog curling from her lips. “You’re the one who can eat a fuck ton of food and not gain a single gram. Don’t try to blame me.”

A teasing drawl came through the speaker — a challenge, a playful dare.

Mira rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her mouth. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll be back in like twenty minutes. Don’t fall asleep.”

The other voice replied with something smug and cutesy, and Mira scoffed before hanging up, cheeks still faintly warm from the conversation as she slipped her phone into her pocket and continued toward the forest edge.

Until tonight.

A sharp snap came from the trees. Mira froze mid-step. She hesitated before continuing, thinking that it was nothing, maybe just a small animal or something in the woods.

She had two things on her mind: Ramen, Saeuukkang. If she can get those things, then she can go home. But another loud crack comes again, and a tree groans under weight. That raises alarms in her mind. Her pace quickens.

Kai waits just behind the treeline. Waiting for the right moment to make his move. He watches her, hearing the heavy thumping of her heartbeat, her pulse running through her veins. He shifts his weight, making the trees groan under him. She doesn't see him, yet.

He spoke in a low growl tone to no one, "Alone and vulnerable," he chuckles malevolently, "Soon my meal, little prey."

He watches her silently from the trees, his amber eyes glow brighter as he starts to shift into his werewolf form. His low growl voice turned into a low rumble of a hungry beast.

Mira squints into the treeline. Nothing but shadows. "I must be losing my mind." She whispered to herself, shaking her head. "It's just the wind, Mira. You're just tired. Focus, ramen, saeukkang. That's it."

Kai, stalking in the trees, breathes slowly, his breath little puffs in the cool air with each huff. "Time to play." He spoke in a deep, resonant growl. A rumble from deep in his chest.

He lets out a growl she can hear. She whips around, knowing she heard something this time. "Okay… I know I heard something." She said. "Screw the shop, I'm going home."

Kai's ears twitch in the direction of her voice. He watched her turn the other direction. He follows her. Stalking his prey. "Ah ah ah, No changing direction." He growled.

"What the fuck was that?" She asked the wind. She whipped around frantic. She didn't see anything but felt like someone or something was there now, watching her, following her. "Okay, I don't like this."

Her steps hasten as she walks faster. Her steps heavier as she starts jogging slightly. trying not to look like she was running from whoever or whatever was following her.

Kai's breath is heavier now, more frequent as he picks up speed, his strides longer, covering the distance quicker. "You can't get away from me…" His voice rumbles like thunder through the air.

He climbs to the top of a shop building. Leaping silently from rooftop to rooftop.

Mira cuts through an alleyway, squeezing between a couple dumpsters blocking her path. She comes out onto a back road. But one end was blocked off.

"Fuck." She mutters under her breath.

She turns and goes the other way. She didn't hear anything behind her at first and then she heard the thud of something hitting the ground. Hard. Heavy breathing. Whatever it was, it was big.

Then—

The chase…

She ran in a direction, didn’t care which, as long as she got away from the threat. Heavy thumps pounded into the ground behind her, switching between pavement and dirt. She could hear the scraping of something hard against the concrete—claws? Maybe a wild animal.

“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” Mira murmured, breath ragged, legs pumping as fast as they could. Every turn she made, whatever was chasing her was smart enough to cut her off. The path curved sharply, leading her into the edge of the woods, and she stumbled along it blindly.

“Oh, this is bad…” Her eyes darted frantically, scanning for anything—rocks, roots, a fallen tree—to hide behind. Nothing. Just the narrow dirt path and shadows stretching out like grasping fingers.

She stumbled out into a clearing. It was huge. Open. There was nowhere to hide. Her heart slammed against her ribs. She risked a glance behind her—nothing. Too quiet.

“What the fuck was that? Where did it go?” she thought, voice barely a whisper to herself. “What the fuck do I do?”

Then something massive surged past her. It slammed into her with terrifying force, throwing her to the ground. Pain exploded across her side, white-hot, burning. She looked down. Her jacket was torn. Her skin was torn. A chunk of flesh was missing, blood slick and sticky.

She staggered upright slowly, gasping, wincing at every movement. Her eyes lifted—and froze.

It was there.

The creature. Impossible. A massive wolf, impossibly tall, standing on hind legs. Its fur rippled like shadows in the moonlight. Amber eyes glowed, locked on her, hungry and intelligent.

A low rumble vibrated from its chest. It snarled, baring teeth long and jagged. It shifted from two legs to all fours, and even crouched, it towered over her. Each step it took toward her made the ground tremble beneath its weight.

She ran.

But it was too fast.

It hit her in seconds, knocking her into the dirt with a thud that rattled her bones. Pain exploded through her body. When she opened her eyes, even for a split second, the beast’s jaws were clamped around her leg. Bone cracked under the pressure of its fangs. White-hot agony seared through her, and she screamed, thrashing, twisting, but her body betrayed her.

Another chomp. Bone shattered further. Blood spattered across the dirt, mixing with her screams and the scent of raw terror. She tried to make sense of it, but there was no thinking, only pain, only terror, only the desperate awareness that this was her end.

The monster paused, sniffing… then slowly, horrifyingly, it turned its glowing eyes toward her. Its jaws unhinged, wide and dripping with saliva and her blood.

Mira’s chest heaved. Her mind screamed: I’m going to die! This thing is going to tear me apart!

Her hands gripped at the dirt, her body trembling. “I’m sorry… Zoey… I love you…” she whispered aloud, tears streaming down her face. “I’m sorry…”

She closed her eyes, waiting for the teeth to crash down, to end everything.

Then—

THRUMP.

She felt a gust of air whoosh past her, blowing her hair into her face a little. Her eyes flew open. I'm… alive?

She was alive, but in pain. So… much… pain…

Something slammed into the beast from the side. Its jaws grazed her throat instead of sinking in. Mira gasped, choking, lungs heaving. For a moment, she forgot about her leg—until her body remembered the pain.

It was different now. Fire coursed through her veins, stinging, consuming. Every nerve, every fiber, burned as if the pain itself had become alive inside her. Her leg felt like it was engulfed in flames, but it wasn’t just fire—it was power, coursing through her, reshaping her, demanding her attention.

Mira blinked through the haze of pain, heart hammering. Something inside her had awakened. Something primal.

And whoever—whatever had just saved her… was fighting for her. Or at least she hopes it is.

Kai scrambled to his feet, huffing, saliva and Mira’s blood dripping from his fangs. His chest expanded with a snarl, rage vibrating through the clearing like thunder.

Another creature stood between him and Mira. Smaller, still massive, but lean and agile. Its fur was violet-black, its stance lower, cautious and defensive. It bared its teeth—not in bloodlust, but in warning.

Kai’s voice rumbled out, distorted and wet from gore.
“Rumi… move.”

The smaller wolf—Rumi—growled back, a sharp bark of defiance.
“Not happening.”

Mira blinked sluggishly, dizzy from pain and shock. They’re talking. She wasn’t hallucinating it—she could understand them.

Kai lowered himself, muscles coiling.
“She’s mine. You’ve seen the bite.”

Rumi’s hackles raised. “I saw you maul her like prey. That’s not a claim. That’s butchery.”

Kai snarled, saliva flinging from his jaws. “She’ll change. She’ll belong to me.”

Rumi snapped back before he could lunge. “Over my dead body.”

Kai exploded forward, swiping a massive claw. Rumi ducked low, slipping under him like a blade through tall grass. Her claws scraped across his ribs, drawing a furious roar. Kai turned, swiping again—she was already gone, skidding past him on all fours.

Her speed infuriated him.

Kai roared, “STAND STILL!"

Rumi bark-laughed.

"Maybe trim those tree-trunk arms first!”

He backhanded her mid-sprint. The impact sent Rumi flying through the air—Mira gasped as Rumi twisted mid-flight, landing on all fours in a sliding crouch, claws digging into the dirt.

She shook her head, blood dripped from a busted lip. She growled furiously. Snapping her jaws at him. But he wasn't paying any mind to her at that moment. He had his sights on Mira… again.

He stalked toward her slowly, a deep growl rumbled low in his chest.

"NO, PLEASE!" Mira sobbed, her voice laced with desperation, panic filling her mind as she tried to crawl away. "I don't wanna die! Please!!"

Kai lunged toward Mira again, ignoring her pleas.

“NO!” Rumi launched herself, claws raking down across Kai’s eye and muzzle. Flesh and fur tore under her strike. He howled, blood sluicing over his face.

Rumi circled, keeping low.

“You want her? Then fight me properly.”

Kai thrashed, blinded in one eye, snapping at the air. “You… little… bitch—”

Rumi pounced onto his back, jaws clamping hard into his neck. The sound that ripped out of Kai was a chest-breaking scream, a roar that shook leaves loose from branches. He tried to grab her, flailing his arms over his head, but she was just out of reach as she slid down his back a little where he couldn't reach her, biting into the flesh between his shoulder blades. Another howl—this one panicked.

He was able to finally grab her, flinging her off his back, flesh tearing as she kept her jaws a vice on his back. When he flung her to the ground, she hit it hard, a whimper of pain leaving her, but she recovered quickly.

She bared her fangs and growled loud and deep back at him. Eyes started to shift purple, like amethyst. The zigzag stripes that ran from her nose, over her head and down her back and tail glowed slightly in the dark, accentuated by the moonlight.

He lunged at her, slamming shoulder first into her with such force, the wind was knocked out of her for a split second.

She spit the chunk of flesh from her mouth, hitting him in face with a wet slap.

She almost laughed when he stopped dead, blinking like he was trying to process what just happened. Then he scowled and growled deep at her. Slamming her into the ground again.

He body slammed her into the ground. Hard. She thrashed, snapping her jaws at him almost catching his nose with her fangs. Finally he backed up just enough for her her to curls her legs up, planting her feet on his chest, and shoved him away, sending him flying off her.

"Back off, Kai!! She's not your meal! And she's never going to be part of your pack of outcasts!" Rumi roared at him.

Finally, Kai ripped away, stumbling. His tail dropped low, a sign of reluctant submission. With a final growl, he retreated into the dark, vanishing into the trees.

Silence flooded the clearing.

Rumi stayed poised, hackles raised, until she was certain Kai was gone. Only then did she turn toward Mira.

She was on all fours now, slowly, cautiously walking toward Mira.

Mira recoiled, trying to drag herself backward, nails clawing at the dirt.

“NO! No please! Don’t kill me—don’t—”

Rumi froze mid-step. Her ears flattened, posture shifting—more human than beast for a moment. Slowly, she lowered her head, almost… ashamed, as if she’d forgotten what she looked like.

Her body began to change.

Bones crunched audibly. Mira watched, horrified but unable to look away. Fur shrank into skin. The wolfish muzzle shortened, snapping back into a human face—beautiful, sharply defined. Purple hair spilled down her shoulders, wild and silky. Her limbs shrank, claws retracting into slender hands. Only the faint glint of fangs remained, along with slightly pointed ears.

Within seconds, a fully naked woman stood where the beast had been.

Mira’s face flushed, eyes darting away, especially as she realized the woman had… a dick. Not what she expected. Not today. Not ever.

The woman—Rumi—spoke at last, her voice soft and melodic in shocking contrast to the violence she’d unleashed moments ago.

“Hey. Hey. Calm down. I’m here to help you. If you even want help.”

Mira trembled, collapsed onto her back. She was shaking uncontrollably. Her leg—god, her leg—felt like it had been dipped into fire. The veins burned. She whimpered.

“What’s happening to me?” Mira gasped out. “That thing—what the hell are you?”

Rumi crouched beside her, eyes scanning the gruesome wounds. The blood had already stopped flowing. Already healing. A terrible sign.

“I’ll explain later,” Rumi said, grabbing clothes from a nearby stump. “Right now we need to get you somewhere safe.”

Before Mira could argue or even gather breath, Rumi lifted her with unsettling ease and carried her toward the tree line. The woman didn’t seem bothered by the blood soaking her arms, nor Mira’s groans, nor the way Mira’s body twitched from the burning inside her veins.

Rumi set Mira down carefully, propping her upright against a massive rock half-hidden by bushes. The stone was cold against her back, moss damp beneath her palms.

“H-hey— wait—” Mira wheezed, but Rumi had already turned away.

She walked a few steps toward a stump near the trees, where her clothes were crumpled in a pile. And then, with zero hesitation, she began dressing — completely unbothered by the fact she was still naked, still covered in blood, still in full view.

No embarrassment. No attempt to hide.
Just slipping into her clothes as if she hadn’t just transformed from an eight-foot wolf creature into a gorgeous, naked stranger with — well — everything Mira didn’t expect to see. Zero shame.

Mira stared despite herself, cheeks burning. The pain in her body screamed, but her mind still reeled:

She’s just— changing right here? No explanation? Who is this woman? What is she?

Rumi didn’t even glance back as she pulled on black sweatpants over compression shorts, then tugged on a cropped light-blue shirt. Boots came last, battered grey ones she stomped her heel into.

Only then did she return and crouch down in front of Mira again, her violet-black hair falling forward like a curtain.

“Alright.” Her tone was calm now, surprisingly gentle. “I’ll get you home.”

Mira blinked against the pain, disoriented.
“Home…? Whose… home…?”

Rumi tilted her head, considering the question.
“Mine. Unless you have another option besides dying in the woods.”

Mira swallowed hard. Her vision blurred. She didn’t get a chance to respond — consciousness slipped like sand between her fingers. The last thing she registered was the warmth of Rumi’s arms as she lifted her again. A steady heartbeat. A quiet hum.

Then the world went dark.

Rumi cradled Mira in her arms, as she walked. It took about an hour to get to her village in the mountains. The village came into view, and she was relieved. She was ready to be home. She was just wanting to get Mira to safety, where she can rest better.

As she drew nearer, she could see Celine standing just outside the front entrance to the village. Arms folded, feet planted. Waiting…

"Great." Rumi muttered.

Mira was still, unmoving in her arms, still sleeping, still alive. Rumi met with Celine at the entrance. Rumi didn't want to talk to her right now.

But Celine stopped her anyway. "Where the hell have you been?"

"Patrolling." Rumi said, shrugging. "And a little small game hunting."

Celine's eyes narrowed, sharp and cutting. "And what of the girl?"
Her gaze dropped to Mira's sleeping form in Rumi's arms. "What happened to her?"

"Kai."

Celine's jaw clenched, but she didn't say anything… Not yet.

Rumi didn't waver, she just stood there with Mira's limp body in her arms. "I'm taking her to the infirmary to get checked out. The bleeding already stopped on its own, but she needs proper—"

Celine put one of her hands up, shutting down Rumi's words as usual. "No, she needs to be restrained. Take her to the holding center"

Rumi looked at her, stunned. "What! Why?! She's not a threat, Celine!"

"For now she isn't…" She said flatly. Rumi, looked away from her, baring her fangs in frustration, then… without looking at her again she replied with only one word.

"….Fine."

Without another word, she turned and walked away, boots thumping on the ground as she walked toward the holding center.

"Come speak to me after you're done with her.' Celine called after her.

After a few minutes, she made it to the holding center. A large building that has two rows of concrete cells with reinforced doors on either side of the single corridor. Four doors lined each side. She gets a sickening feeling every time someone has to go in here. She turns to her right and opens the first cell.

Each door is made of thick, reinforced steel, with a small square cut into it with steel bars. Like a cage. The door opened with a loud metallic groan. She's always hated that sound. Inside the room is basically a concrete box with steel bars sealed deep within the concrete walls and floor. There's a round window in the center of the ceiling above. Again, reinforced with steel.

"I fucking hate this place…" she said with a lump in her throat. There was a bed against the wall in the corner across from the door. Steel frame bolted into the floor. Four cuffs hang from each corner of the bed frame. Attached to them were four thick steel chains, embedded into the concrete itself. She took a breath and stepped closer to the bed.

She lay Mira gently on the mattress . When she got her legs positioned straight, her phone fell out of her pocket. And the screen lit up. It was Mira and another girl as her lock screen. Rumi went to pick it up but froze when she saw the other girl's face. Her heart thumped in her chest, and she didn't understand why.

"What the—" Rumi cut herself off, shaking her head.

She shoved the feeling down, and picked up the phone, setting it on the metal table next to the bed along with Mira's glasses that somehow didn't get damaged, only a little dusty and some dried splattered blood.

"Well, you won't need these anymore after this…" Rumi muttered to herself. She laughed at that, but it was dry. No humor at all.

She patted Mira down like she was at a security check, looking for maybe a wallet or some kind of identification. And low and behold, Mira had a thin bi-fold wallet in her back pocket. Rumi opened it and immediately found her ID card.

Kang, Mira. Age 24. Organ Donor.

"Mira huh? Well, hopefully you wake up Mira."

Rumi put Mira's ID back in her wallet. Setting the wallet down next to her phone and glasses. Her gaze flicked to the restraints. Four of them… but she only put two cuffs on Mira's wrists.

She walked to the cell door, looking back at Mira.

She huffed under her breath, “You better be worth it, Mira.”

There was no softness in her tone—but something inside her was shifting. She didn’t like that she was starting to feel something for this girl. May it be protection, or. But she didn’t hate it either. That was the part that bothered her most.

Rumi left the holding cell, pulling the door shut behind her.
The heavy metallic thunk echoed, followed by the sharp clank of the lock engaging.
She didn’t look back.

She walked through the holding center, slipped out the main door, and locked it behind her with the same unforgiving metal snap.

Celine needed to talk to her, and Rumi needed to know what was going to happen next.

When she reached Celine’s cabin, she didn’t knock. She walked straight in.

Celine looked up—and her expression twisted immediately in disgust.
Rumi looked like she’d rolled around in the woods: dirt smeared across her arms, streaks of dried blood, hair shoved into a messy bun, clothing mismatched and stained.

Celine pinched the bridge of her nose.
“Rimu, why didn’t you change before coming here?”

Rumi leaned against the archway of the office nook, one foot crossing over the other, arms folding across her chest.

“You said you needed to talk to me,” she said flatly. “So I assumed you didn’t need me to take too long after restraining an innocent girl to a bed and leaving her alone in a cold, dark cell—where she might wake up terrified and start screaming. Oh, and the fact that you always lose your fucking shit when I take even one minute too long.”

Celine scowled, voice sharp.
“Don’t speak to me with that foul language.”

Rumi pushed off the wall, stepping closer, her tone turning pretty—but sharp as a blade underneath.

“Or what? You don't control me anymore, Celine. I’m twenty-three. I’m not a child anymore. I can do or say whatever I want.”

Celine’s voice erupted, thunderous, a growl vibrating through it.
She stood so abruptly her chair slammed backward into the wall.

“YOU WILL RESPECT ME AS YOUR ALPHA!”

Rumi scoffed—and that was the last warning Celine got.

The hidden tattoo on Rumi’s back burned, heat ripping along her spine.

Her arms dropped to her sides as her fingers curled—claws erupting from her nails. Her fangs elongated, catching the dim cabin light.

When she spoke, she didn’t need to yell the way Celine did. Her voice was deeper, resonant, vibrating with something Celine had never heard from her before.

“You’re only "alpha" because you promised my mother you would take over until I was ready to lead.” Her words shook the air. “She sacrificed herself for me! To save me!”

Rumi took another step forward, the floorboards creaking beneath her weight.

“You don’t deserve the title.”

Celine froze—not stepping back, but her composure faltered. She had never seen Rumi like this. Never heard this tone. Never felt this kind of power pouring off of her.

Rumi continued, her voice rising, the cabin itself trembling.

"No one else even knows the truth about you do they?" Rumi asked. Looking down at her pants. Her mother wasn't born an alpha, because her father was an alpha. but because she was his mate and wife, she was automatically named alpha when Rumi's father disappeared.

"You never were her real mate, nor were you married to her. You're her sister, that's it." Rumi paused, taking a breath. “You were only given the title until I was ready to lead the pack."

“Rumi,” Celine said carefully, voice lower now but tense, “whatever is going on, you need to calm down.”

Rumi’s eyes snapped to her—glowing, fierce, an even brighter purple than before. Her jaw was clenched so tightly it trembled, fangs bared.

“Calm down?” she echoed, venomous.
She took another step forward.
Her voice deepened into a growl that rolled across the room like thunder.

“You want me to calm down!?”

Rumi exhaled sharply, chest heaving, feeling the storm inside her start to simmer.

“Okay, fine. I’ll calm down.” Her voice was clipped, controlled, but her eyes still glowed that vivid purple hue, pulsing like molten fire. She turned to walk away, but Celine’s next words froze her in place.

“Your mother… She didn’t die a hero, Rumi.” Celine said, calm and deliberate, a smirk tugging at her lips. “She died because of you. She thought she could save you from your own recklessness, your childish temper… your constant whining and defiance. She died because she was foolish enough to try to protect a brat who couldn’t control herself.”

Rumi stopped mid-step, fists clenching, claws digging into her palms as blood dripped to the wood floor. Muscles tensed beneath her skin, ready to shift, to transform—but she forced herself to stay human… at least for now.

“Excuse me?” she snapped over her shoulder, eyes burning with fury. “What did you just say?”

Celine didn’t repeat herself. Instead, her smug expression widened, and her voice grew sharper.
“Don’t act surprised. Your mother’s death was a direct result of you. She made the mistake of thinking you were worth it. Worth dying for. And honestly? She wasn’t. Not when all you do is act like a spoiled, petulant child.”

“I—I was 17, Celine! I was still learning to control my wolf!” Rumi yelled, voice cracking with fury and pain. “I was trying! I wasn’t ready! How dare you—how dare you—blame her death on me like I was some idiot child!”

That was it. The last thread holding Rumi’s restraint snapped.

In an instant, she lunged. Anger consumed her, and her body betrayed her control. She partially transformed, but not fully. Not the usual sleek wolf form. Instead, something darker, more primal and jagged emerged.

Her fist shot forward before Celine could even react. The impact was sickening.

CRACK!!

The sound of Celine’s jaw breaking echoed through the cabin, sharp and resonant, shaking the walls. Rumi’s arm hung down limply, the force of her punch holding her in place as she slumped forward, breathing ragged, chest heaving.

Then she straightened.

Her body had changed. Height increased slightly, her legs remaining human length, but her arms elongated, covered in patches of light grey fur, almost white at the edges. Her muzzle grew, half-formed, still beneath her human skin. Her fangs had lengthened, sharper now, and her ears elongated and pointed, split at the ends, fur darkening to black at the tips. Small, crystalline horns jutted from her skull, and tiny shards peeked out along her shoulders, glittering faintly beneath the fur.

Rumi exhaled again, the sound a growl that reverberated through the room.

“Don’t EVER speak ill of my mother again, Celine.”

Her voice was deeper, harsher, carrying the weight of a beast held just under control.

Without waiting for a response, she stalked toward the door, fury radiating from every step. She swung it open with such force it nearly tore off its hinges, leaving the cabin in a tense, heavy silence. Rumi didn’t even glance back, disappearing into the night with the faint echoes of her growl lingering in the air.

In the night, Rumi shifted back mid walk without realizing she shifted in the first place. "Fucking bitch!" She spat aloud.

She made it to her own cabin, shoving the door open, and slamming it shut. "I need a shower…" she muttered to herself.

In the bathroom, she looked at herself in the mirror. "Ugh, I do look like I rolled around in a bloody mud puddle…" Then she noticed her eyes. They weren't glowing as brightly, but they had a faint trace of the glow behind her normal brown, purple peeking just around her pupil.

"What the…" she blinked, then looked again. It was gone, finally fading completely.

She turned to the shower and turned the hot water on, and a tiny bit of cold water. she undressed while it ran, filling the bathroom with steam. Once completely naked, she really looked at herself.

Her skin was bruised from the fight with Kai, deep scratches still healing, but almost gone now. She looked down at her dick between her legs, "At least you're okay buddy." she muttered to herself, then chuckled. "I'm talking to my dick… I must really be losing it."

She finally stepped in the shower, sighing and relaxing under the hot water that ran down her body. She had let her hair down tonight to wash it. It cascaded down her back just past her ass.

"Oh yeah, this feels nice." She sighed as she relaxed more, leaning against the cool tile. After a few minutes of standing under the water she finally decides to wash all the dried blood from Mira and Kai, and dirt off of her body. The downside of being a werewolf would be how dirty you get.

"Ugh, disgusting…" She murmurs to herself. After 5 minutes of scrubbing her skin and scalp, washing all of the dirt and blood off until the water ran cold.

She steps out, not even bothering wrapping a towel around herself, she lives alone after all. She pats herself dry, and towels her hair as dry as possible.

"That's as good as it's gonna get for now." She steps out of the bathroom, looks at the clock on the wall in the kitchen. 3 AM, she laughs to herself as she mutters under her breath. "Looks like it's the witching hour. HA!"

The laugh was cold, but it grew warmer as she remembered when her and her best friend Akahi would sneak out around this time. A smile crept on her face as the memory surfaced.

Along with something more one night

They were maybe 14 at the time. They hadn't yet gone through their first transformation either.

It was almost 11 years ago around the same time of year.

Akahi had snuck into Rumi's cabin one night. Climbing into her window.

"Psst! Rumi." She whispered, waking Rumi up.

Rumi blinked, "what are you—" her shriek was cut off by Akahi's hand covering her mouth.

"Shhh! Jeez, do you want Celine and your mom to hear you?" Rumi shook her head frantically, still a little freaked out by Akahi's sudden and unannounced presence in her room.

Akahi removed her hand from Rumi's mouth and sat at the edge of her bed. "Akahi, it's 2 in the morning. What the hell are you even doing here?" Rumi whispered sharply.

Akahi had a look on her face that told Rumi she was up to something, and she was about to get dragged into it.

"One of the older teens told me about something. She said it was something every teenager has to do before their first transformation."

Rumi looked at her like she just spoke in another language. Mouth slack at the absurdity.

She shook her head. "That's ridiculous! Who the hell said that?"

"Jupiter…"

Of course… Rumi pinches the bridge of her nose, and sighed before speaking again, a little annoyed. "And what exactly did she say?"

"That we have to jump off of a cliff into a spring below it…" she said quickly and flatly.

"Wait-WHAT?" Rumi's eyes were wide, she actually heard every word and she was shaking her head, dismissing the idea. "You actually believe that?"

Akahi nodded eagerly. "Well, yeah. Why wouldn't I?"

"No way. We are not hurling ourselves off a cliff for her amusement."

"Come on Rumi! We have to do it, everyone else did it." Akahi, Rumi's best friend who she grew up with, was trying to get her to do the craziest thing ever.

"I love you, I do. You're my best friend, and I would go to the ends of the earth with you…" she paused, taking a deep breath and letting out a huff. "But Jupiter and her group are reckless idiots that like the thrill."

"Akahi shifted closer to Rumi on the bed, lifting both of her hands in her own. She gave Rumi the biggest puppy eyes, begging with her entire being.

"Pleeeeeeaase."

Rumi let her head hang low. Letting out a small sigh. She knows she can't say no to Akahi when she looks at her like that.

"Akahi…" she said. Akahi's grip tightened on her hands. "Fine… I'll go with you. But if you break something, I'm not carrying you back to the village."

Akahi's eyes lit up, and she got really excited. Rumi smiles and shakes her head. She's such a dork, she thinks to herself.

"Then, come on! Let's go!" Akahi said, pulling at Rumi's arm.

"W-Wait! I don't have-" But she was already dragged out of the bed, the blanket falling got the floor at her feet. Akahi's face went red immediately as she realized what Rumi was trying to tell her.

Rumi's face went a deep red too, and she threw her hands down and covered her dick.

"I-I'm so sorry… I didn't know…" Akahi said, turning around realizing she was staring too long.

"It's… It's okay!" Rumi said quickly, completely mortified that Akahi saw it. She grabbed the closest thing, and she picked up a pair of sweatpants and slipped them on with practiced ease. "Okay, it's safe to look now."

"You sure?" Akahi said, still facing away.

"Yes, I'm sure…" She said in annoyance to Akahi's stupid question.

Akahi turned around, hand over her eyes. "I'm not removing my hand yet unless it's one hundred percent safe."

Rumi shook her head, slowly walked over to Akahi, she reached up and pulled Akahi's hand away from her eyes. "It's safe to look now dork." She said with a little laugh.

She had to look down at Rumi as she was taller, and she smiled. Rumi was cute when she wanted to be, she had to admit.

"Hey, I just wanted to be sure you weren't messing with me is all." She grinned that stupid toothy grin of hers.

Rumi only smiled and shook her head.

Idiot.

She slipped on her boots, not even bothering with socks, and grabbed a hoodie that hung haphazardly over the back of her chair at her desk.

"Alright, if we're going, we better go now before I change my mind."

"I knew you'd come." Akahi said as she sat on the window sill.

"Yeah, yeah, now move so I can get out." Rumi said, waving her hand at her in a shooing motion.

Akahi tucked her head out, making sure no one else was around, and jumped out of the window, falling to the ground easily, feet thudding into the dirt.

Rumi came down seconds after, but she landed awkwardly, and stumbled, losing her balance and falling flat on her ass. Akahi tried not to laugh out loud, clamping both her hands over her mouth to stifle the laugh.

"Shut the fuck up, A!! My mom isn't that heavy of a sleeper. If she found out I was sneaking out, we're both dead!" Rumi raised her voice in whisper at Akahi in warning.

Akahi put her hands up in surrender and started walking backward, toward the trees. "Sorry, sorry, it was funny cause you are not graceful at all."

Rumi only glared at her, "at least I don't climb trees like a monkey just cause I'm bored."

"Hey, it's called stealth training. It's my dad that has me doing it." She shrugged. "You know, to use the trees to sneak attack from above on other people."

"Right, well your dad is an idiot. That's a stupid tactic." She crossed her arms as they continued further into the trees.

Five minutes into the walk, and Rumi couldn't help but feel like this really was just a set up for Jupiter to make fun of Akahi… Again.

"Akahi?" Rumi asked

"Hmm?" She hummed in reply, looking at Rumi walking next to her.

Rumi didn't look at her in return, and just kept looking forward ahead of her, scanning the trees ahead of them and to the side. Like she was always taught to do by her mother.

"Are you sure this is a good idea? There's just no way that this is a thing all young wolves have to do before their first shift. I mean, it's dangerous, A" Rumis voice faltered, and it usually doesn't do that.

Akahi ignores it, regretfully. "Come on, Ru. Even if it's not true, maybe it'll be fun."

"Right, like diving off of a thirty and a half meter cliff into a small spring below is supposed to be fun." Rumi made air quotes with her fingers at the last word.

Before they knew it, they made it to the cliff. But Rumi heard voices, and so did Akahi.

Fuck…

"I didn't know others would be here…" Akahi said and Rumi saw the color actively drain from her face.

Rumi scowled, turning towards the voices. "It's not just anyone. It's Jupiter and her posse." Disgust screwed up her face. I knew she was up to something… She better watch herself.

They walked closer, Akahi came into view first. Jupiter had a cocky grin on her face as soon as she saw Akahi.

"Well, well, look who actually showed up. I didn't think you would have the guts." Jupiter smirked, her words cutting deep, making Akahi wince.

They stepped out of the tree line, boots crunching against loose gravel as the cliff opened up before them.

Moonlight spilled over the edge, silvering the jagged rock face and the dark, glassy pool far below. The spring looked small from up here—too small. Mist rose from it in lazy curls, and the wind whistled just enough to make the drop feel deeper than it already was.

Jupiter was already there.

She stood near the edge with her little circle—arms crossed, posture loose and confident like she owned the night. Mina lingered a bit behind her, twisting her fingers together nervously, while Jisoo paced closer to the cliff, peering down like he wanted to prove something to someone.

Jupiter’s grin widened the moment she saw Akahi step into view.

“Well, well,” Jupiter drawled, voice loud in the open space. “I’ll be damned. You actually showed up.”

Akahi stiffened beside Rumi. Her shoulders drew in just a little, and Rumi noticed immediately.

Jupiter tilted her head, eyes raking over Akahi. “I was honestly betting you’d chicken out. Figured you’d make up some excuse about wolves in the woods or whatever.”

Akahi opened her mouth, then closed it again.

Rumi stepped forward.

That was when Jupiter’s smug expression faltered.

Her eyes snapped to Rumi, widening just a fraction before she caught herself. “Oh,” she said flatly. “You’re here too?”

Rumi stopped at Akahi’s side, hands tucked into the pockets of her hoodie, posture relaxed—too relaxed. She was slightly taller than Jupiter, just enough to force Jupiter to tilt her chin up when their eyes met.

“Disappointed?” Rumi asked casually.

Mina froze.

Her gaze snapped to Rumi like she’d just been struck by lightning. Her face flushed instantly, eyes wide, and she forgot entirely how to breathe for a second. She stared—then looked away—then looked back again, clearly fighting a losing battle with herself.

Jisoo, on the other hand, straightened up immediately.

“Hey, Rumi,” he said, flashing what he probably thought was a charming smile. “Didn’t know you were into… cliff stuff.” He laughed awkwardly. “You know, if you want, I could—uh—go first. Show you it’s safe.”

Rumi gave him a sideways glance. "It's only safe if you do it right.”

Jisoo blinked. “…Right. Yeah. Totally.”

Akahi snorted despite herself.

Jupiter recovered quickly, lips curling again. “So let me get this straight,” she said, eyes flicking between the two of them. “You dragged her out here?” She nodded toward Rumi, voice dripping with implication. “What, you need a babysitter now, Akahi?”

Rumi didn’t move, didn’t bristle. She just sighed softly.

“Nah,” Rumi said. “I came because I wanted to.”

Jupiter scoffed. “Yeah? Funny. I thought you were too busy playing perfect little alpha pup.”

That did it.

Rumi’s eyes sharpened—not glowing, not threatening, just cold. She leaned forward slightly, invading Jupiter’s space without raising her voice.

“And I thought you were too busy running your mouth to notice when no one actually respects you,” Rumi replied smoothly. “Guess we were both wrong.”

Mina’s hand flew to her mouth.

Jisoo made a low “oof” sound under his breath.

Jupiter’s jaw tightened. “Careful,” she snapped. “You think being taller makes you intimidating?”

Rumi shrugged. “No. I think your insecurity does all the work for me.”

For a heartbeat, Jupiter had nothing to say.

Akahi looked up at Rumi, eyes wide—not scared, just… amazed. A little smile tugged at her lips.

Jupiter clicked her tongue, turning away sharply. “Whatever. Doesn’t matter. You’re here now.” She gestured toward the edge of the cliff. “Rule’s simple. You jump, you’re in. You don’t—” she glanced back at Akahi with a cruel smirk, “—you prove exactly what I said you were.”

Rumi followed her gaze, then looked down at Akahi.

She softened instantly.

Rumi leaned in just enough for only Akahi to hear. “Hey,” she murmured. “We don’t have to do this. Not for her.”

Akahi swallowed, eyes flicking toward the cliff… then back to Jupiter.

“…I don’t want to run,” she said quietly.

Rumi straightened, jaw setting.

She looked back at Jupiter, nonchalant mask sliding back into place.

“Alright,” Rumi said. “Then let’s get this over with.”

Jupiter’s grin returned—but this time, there was something uneasy behind it.

She hadn’t expected Rumi to stay.

And for the first time that night, Jupiter realized she might have made a mistake.

Rumi lifted a brow, eyes flicking between the group and the drop beyond the cliff.

“Okay,” she said evenly. “So who’s going first?”

Jisoo didn’t even hesitate.

“I’ll do it,” he announced, puffing out his chest as he stepped forward. “Gotta show the ladies what a real man can do.”

Rumi barely managed to stop herself from rolling her eyes.

Jupiter laughed sharply. “Oh please,” she said, turning her head toward him with a sneer. “Just because you have a dick doesn’t make you a man.”

She paused deliberately, then turned her gaze to Rumi—slow, pointed. Her eyes dipped for half a second before lifting again, smug.

“Isn’t that right, Rumi?”

The jab hung in the air.

Mina froze.

Her brain caught up a beat too late, and when it did, her face went bright red. She swallowed hard, suddenly very interested in a random patch of dirt near her boots. She had forgotten—alphas were born that way. Male or female. The realization made her ears burn.

Rumi noticed.

She also noticed Mina’s reaction.

For reasons she absolutely did not examine too closely, the corner of Rumi’s mouth twitched. She tilted her head just slightly… and winked at Mina.

Mina’s soul nearly left her body.

Jisoo blinked, utterly missing the subtext. “Uh—anyway,” he said quickly, clearly trying to recover. He stepped closer to the edge, peering down into the dark. “It’s not even that high.”

Rumi snorted. “You say that now.”

Jupiter crossed her arms, eyes narrowing at Rumi. “What, you got something to say?”

Rumi shrugged, unbothered. “Just thinking you talk a lot for someone who isn’t jumping.”

A beat.

Jupiter scowled. Mina tried—and failed—not to smile. Jisoo straightened again, clearly deciding this was his moment.

“Watch and learn,” he said, taking a few steps back, then sprinting forward.

He leapt.

For half a second, his silhouette cut cleanly across the moonlight—arms flailing just a little more than he probably intended—before he vanished over the edge.

The sound of his splash echoed up from below a moment later.

Silence followed.

Everyone leaned forward instinctively.

Then—

“I’M ALIVE!” Jisoo’s voice echoed faintly from below, triumphant and breathless. “IT’S COLD AS HELL BUT I’M ALIVE!”

Akahi let out a shaky laugh she hadn’t realized she was holding in. Mina clasped her hands together, relief washing over her face.

Jupiter clicked her tongue. “Lucky idiot.”

Rumi glanced at Akahi, reading her expression carefully.

Her shoulders were still tense—but she hadn’t backed away.

Rumi nodded once, like she’d made a decision.

“Alright,” she said quietly. “Your turn—or mine?”

Akahi swallowed… then looked up at Rumi.

“…Stay close?” she asked.

Rumi gave her a small, steady smile.

“Always.”

Rumi bent down and tugged her boots off, setting them neatly beside the tree. She peeled her hoodie over her head next, folding it and placing it on top of the boots like she actually cared if they got dirty. Akahi mirrored her without a word, slipping off her own shoes and jacket, nerves buzzing just under the surface.

Rumi straightened and glanced back at the others—at Mina first, then Jupiter.

“Guess we’re next,” she said casually.

Jupiter’s lips curled into a smug smile, chin lifting like she’d already won something.

Rumi tilted her head, studying her for a second… then shrugged.

“Actually,” she said, turning her body slightly toward Jupiter, voice light but sharp. “Since you’re feeling so confident—why don’t you go next?”

Jupiter blinked. Just once.

“What?” she scoffed. “Please.”

Rumi took one lazy step closer, stopping just inside Jupiter’s personal space. She looked down at her—only by an inch or two, but it was enough—and smiled without warmth.

“Or,” Rumi added, tone deceptively mild, “are you too chicken?”

Mina snorted before she could stop herself.

The sound was small, sharp—and fatal.

Jupiter’s head snapped toward her. “What was that?”

Mina straightened instantly, eyes wide. “I—nothing! Sorry—”

Rumi didn’t look away from Jupiter.

The silence stretched.

Jupiter’s jaw tightened. Her smirk faltered, replaced by something more brittle. Pride, wounded and furious, flared in her eyes.

“…Fine,” she said through clenched teeth.

She stormed past them, shoving her shoes off and yanking her jacket to the ground. She marched to the edge of the cliff, toes curling over the drop. For a split second, she hesitated—just enough for Rumi to notice.

Rumi raised a brow. “Careful,” she called lightly. “Wouldn’t want you to trip.”

Jupiter shot her a glare that could’ve cut stone.

Then she jumped.

Her scream tore through the night, sharp and wild, until she disappeared over the edge. A second later, the splash echoed up from the darkness below.

Everyone held their breath.

A beat.

Then—

“SHIT—” Jupiter’s voice echoed faintly. “IT’S FREEZING!”

Mina let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. Akahi laughed nervously, gripping Rumi’s arm.

Rumi exhaled slowly, eyes still on the edge.

She glanced down at Akahi. “See? Still alive.”

Akahi nodded, though her hands were shaking.

Rumi squeezed them once, grounding.

“Okay,” Rumi said, stepping closer to the cliff now, moonlight outlining her silhouette. “Our turn.”

Rumi stepped up to the edge with Akahi, their fingers already laced together—firm, grounding. The wind rushed up from below, cold and damp, carrying the sound of water far beneath them.

“Ready?” Rumi asked quietly.

Akahi swallowed, nodded. “If I die, I’m haunting you.”

Rumi smirked. “Deal.”

They bent their knees in sync—

—and then another hand grabbed Rumi’s free one.

Rumi startled, turning her head.

Mina stood there, cheeks flushed pink, eyes wide but determined. Her grip was hesitant at first, like she expected to be pushed away.

“Mind if I jump with you?” she asked, voice barely above a whisper.

For a second, Rumi just looked at her.

Then she smiled—small, genuine—and shook her head. “No. Not at all.”

Mina’s eyes lit up.

Rumi tightened her hold on both of them, anchoring them together. Three heartbeats. Three sets of nerves. The cliff loomed beneath their feet.

“On three,” Rumi said.

Akahi nodded. Mina nodded faster.

“One.”

The wind howled.

“Two.”

Jupiter’s distant shouting echoed from below, muffled by the rocks.

“Three.”

They jumped.

The world dropped out from under them.

Air rushed past their ears, ripping a scream from Akahi and a surprised yelp from Mina. Rumi laughed—actually laughed—as they fell, hair whipping wildly around her face, hands clenched tight around theirs.

For one suspended moment, they were weightless. Free.

Then the water slammed into them.

Cold. Shocking. Bone-deep.

They plunged under, bubbles exploding around them as the spring swallowed them whole. Rumi kicked instinctively, dragging them upward with her. They burst back to the surface, gasping, sputtering.

Akahi burst into hysterical laughter. “HOLY SHIT—”

Mina coughed, then laughed too, clinging to Rumi like she might float away otherwise. “That was—oh my god—that was insane!”

Rumi wiped water from her eyes, breathing hard, adrenaline buzzing through her veins.

She looked at them—both of them—soaked, shaking, alive.

“See?” she said, voice warm and steady. “Told you.”

Above them, the cliff loomed silent.

Below it, three teenagers floated in the dark spring, laughter echoing softly through the night—unaware of how much tonight would change them all.

Akahi wasted no time.

She splashed her way to the edge and hauled herself out of the spring, teeth chattering as she scrambled onto the rocks. Jupiter and Jisoo didn’t even move to help—Jupiter, too busy pretending she wasn’t watching, Jisoo still basking in his own survival.

“Unbelievable,” Akahi muttered as she wrapped her arms around herself, shivering. “You’d think one of you would—whatever.” She waved it off, glancing back toward the water.

Rumi didn’t follow.

She stayed where she was, letting herself sink just enough that the water lapped at her shoulders. The cold should have been biting—should have hurt.

But it didn’t.

Instead, warmth bloomed beneath her skin, slow and strange, like an ember being coaxed to life. Her heartbeat felt deeper somehow, heavier. Different.

Rumi tipped her head back and stared up at the sky.

The moon hung high above them, pale and watchful.

That’s when she heard it.

Whispers.

Soft. Layered. Not loud enough to understand—more like a feeling than words. A hum at the edge of her hearing, curling around her thoughts, calling without saying her name.

Her body relaxed without her meaning it to. She floated onto her back, arms loose at her sides, hair fanning out in the dark water.

For the first time in a long while… She felt calm.

Free.

Mina swam closer, her movements smooth, unhurried. She didn’t seem bothered by the cold either—her cheeks were flushed, eyes bright.

“Hey,” Mina said softly. “You okay?”

Her fingers brushed Rumi’s arm—just barely, testing.

Rumi exhaled slowly. “Yeah,” she murmured. “I’m okay. Just…” She searched for the word, eyes half-lidded. “Relaxed.”

Like she was awake inside a dream.

Mina hovered closer, treading water now, kicking gently to stay afloat. She studied Rumi’s face, lips pressed together like she was holding something back.

Rumi turned her head carefully to look at her, curiosity flickering through the haze. “What?”

Mina swallowed.

Then she reached for Rumi’s hand.

Rumi didn’t pull away. Instead she kicked her feet below herself to turn from floating on her back, to an upright position in the water, kicking her feet gently to stay above water.

When their fingers slid together fully, something sparked. Not painful—just sharp enough to steal Rumi’s breath. A pull she hadn’t been ready for, hadn’t expected.

Her chest tightened.

She too had a crush… on Mina—she’d never admitted it out loud, barely even to herself—but this felt… louder than that. Deeper.

Mina’s thumb brushed against Rumi’s knuckles.

And then—

She leaned in and kissed her.

Right there in the water.

Rumi froze for half a second, surprise flaring—then melted into it. The kiss was soft, hesitant, and warm in a way the water could never be. It buzzed through her veins, electric and grounding all at once.

On the rocks, Jisoo turned away, face burning, jealousy twisting in his chest.

Akahi's eyes widened, not expecting it at all. Oh Rumi, what are you doing?… Not her, anyone but her…

Jupiter just stared. Glaring more than anything.

Her expression was tight, unreadable—like she wanted to say something, like she needed to, but whatever it was stayed locked behind her teeth.

Mina pulled back too fast, eyes wide like she couldn’t believe she’d done that.

“I—I’m sorry,” she blurted, cheeks flushing all at once. “I didn’t mean to—I mean, I did but—sorry—”

Rumi smiled.

It was soft. Real. “It’s okay,” she said gently. "I… I didn't mind it, really."

That only made Mina blush harder.

Akahi cleared her throat loudly, breaking the moment. “Hey, you two,” she called. “You’re gonna get sick if you stay in there any longer.”

Rumi laughed quietly, the whispers fading for now as she finally sat up in the water.

“Yeah,” she said, squeezing Mina’s hand once before letting go. “We should probably get out.”

But as Rumi glanced back up at the moon, that strange warmth still hummed beneath her skin—
a promise she didn’t yet understand.

Rumi was the first out of the water.

She planted her hands on the slick rock and hauled herself up with ease, barely slipping. The moment she was steady, she turned and offered Mina her hand.

“Here,” Rumi said simply.

Mina blinked. “Oh—okay—”

She took it.

Rumi pulled—firm, smooth, effortless.

Mina wasn’t ready for the strength behind it. She yelped as her feet left the water too fast, momentum carrying her forward. She stumbled straight into Rumi, and the two of them went down together with a splash of wet laughter, hitting the ground in a tangle of limbs.

“Oof—!” Rumi laughed, hitting the dirt on her back.

Mina laughed too, breathless, scrambling to catch herself. She ended up on her hands and knees, hovering over Rumi for half a second—close enough that Rumi could feel her warmth, see the way her cheeks were still flushed pink from the water and the kiss.

They froze.

Then Mina squeaked softly and scooted off to sit beside her, hugging her knees, laughing under her breath. “I—sorry—”

Rumi grinned up at the sky. “Worth it.”

Jisoo decided that was his queue to take his leave. He walked up the path back towards the cliff where his shoes also sat.

The mood shifted.

Jupiter finally broke the silence with a sharp scoff.

“Wow,” she said coldly, arms crossed. “Real classy, Mina. Throwing yourself at her like that.”

Mina stiffened instantly, smile vanishing. “I—I wasn’t—”

“You shouldn’t have done that,” Jupiter snapped. “Especially not in front of everyone. You’re embarrassing yourself.”

That did it.

Rumi was on her feet in a heartbeat.

“Hey.” Her voice cut sharp through the clearing. “Who the hell are you—her mother?”

Jupiter blinked, surprised.

“It was just a kiss,” Rumi continued, stepping forward, putting herself squarely between Jupiter and Mina. “Back off.”

Mina looked up at her, eyes wide.

Rumi didn’t look back.

Jupiter laughed mockingly. “Or what? You gonna run to your mommy?” she sneered. “Just because she’s the alpha doesn’t mean I have to listen to you.”

Something hot twisted in Rumi’s chest.

Her jaw clenched. She could feel it again—that pressure under her skin, something shifting and restless, claws itching beneath her fingers. Her first shift loomed close, closer than it needed to be.

“Funny,” Rumi said, voice low. “You talk real big for someone that's so small."

Jupiter’s eyes narrowed. “What’s your problem, Rumi?”

Rumi leaned down slightly, just enough to meet her eye-to-eye.

"I don't have a problem." Rumi said. Her eyes went dark. "But it seems like you do."

Jupiter didn't say anything, she just glared at Rumi, growling under her breath, low in her chest.

“Ohhh… I know what it is. You're jealous,” Rumi said flatly, “that she kissed me instead of you.”

Mina gasped softly without meaning to.

Akahi’s brows shot up.

Jupiter recoiled like she’d been slapped. “Tch—! Why the hell would I be jealous over something like that?” she snapped, looking away too quickly.

Rumi smiled—but there was no humor in it.

“Then watch your mouth,” she said. “Because you don’t get to shame her for doing something you’re too scared to admit you wanted.”

Jupiter’s fists clenched.

Then she said it.

“At least I know better than to kiss a freak who doesn’t even know what she is yet.”

The world seemed to snap.

Rumi felt it surge—heat flooding her veins, nails digging into her palms as something inside her roared, demanding out.

Akahi took a sharp step forward. “Rumi—”

Too late.

Rumi’s eyes burned, that faint glow flaring brighter as she took one slow, dangerous step toward Jupiter.

“Say that again,” Rumi said quietly.

The night held its breath.

Jupiter’s sneer sharpened, cruel and deliberate.

“All I’m saying,” she spat, “is that she doesn’t need to throw herself at someone like you—like some werewolf whore.”

The word hit like a match to gasoline.

"You really should've chosen your words more wisely." Rumi said, quietly, but dangerously. Her eyes went sharp, scowling as rage filled her.

Akahi’s eyes widened. She knew that tone. Knew that look.

“Oh shit—Rumi, no—!” she started.

Too late.

Rumi didn’t hesitate. Didn’t think. Didn’t even feel her feet move.

Her fist reeled back and snapped forward in one clean motion.

CRACK.

Her knuckles connected with Jupiter’s jaw, causing her to bite her lip, splitting it instantly. The impact sent Jupiter stumbling backward before she hit the ground hard, a choked groan tearing out of her as the air was knocked from her lungs.

Silence slammed down over the clearing.

Rumi stood over her, chest heaving, eyes glowing faintly amber. She’d only meant to hit her once—just once—but the heat under her skin still burned, restless.

Mina stared.

Not in fear.

In awe.

She hadn’t known Rumi could be like this. That she would be like this—for her.

“Don’t ever talk about her,” Rumi said, voice low and dangerous, “or anyone else like that again… not around me.”

Her fangs had slipped out without her realizing it—small, sharp, unmistakably there.

Jupiter wiped shakily at her mouth, fingers coming away red. When the world finally stopped spinning, her shock turned to fury.

“You little bitch!” she shrieked. “You punched me!”

“And I’ll do it again,” Rumi replied flatly.

Jupiter scrambled to her feet and swung.

Rumi wasn’t there.

“Huh?” Jupiter blinked, confused.

She swung again—then again—wild, angry punches cutting through empty air. Rumi dodged each one with minimal effort, stepping aside, leaning back, pivoting smoothly. It wasn’t werewolf instinct. It was training. Years of it.

Akahi glanced at Mina, then back at them, lips parted. “Oh… she’s dead.”

“STOP FUCKING DOING THAT!” Jupiter screamed, losing it.

She lunged low, clawing at Rumi’s stomach—

Missed by a hair.

“Why would I let you hit me?” Rumi said calmly, almost amused.

Jupiter snarled and threw one last desperate punch.

This time, Rumi caught her wrist.

In one fluid motion, she twisted into Jupiter’s space, hooked her leg, and flipped her hard onto her back. The impact knocked the breath clean out of Jupiter’s lungs with a wheezing gasp.

Rumi loomed over her, shadows cutting sharp across her face. She bared her fangs—really bared them now.

“Now,” Rumi snarled, voice vibrating with something primal, “get the fuck out of here before I stomp your face in for talking like that about what’s mine.”

The words hung in the air.

Mina’s breath caught.

Akahi stiffened.

And somewhere deep beneath Rumi’s skin, her beast stirred—pleased.

Rumi turned away from Jupiter without another glance and walked straight toward Mina.

Behind her, she heard Jupiter scramble to her feet and finally leave, grumbling under her breath as she made her way up the path to get her boots.

The adrenaline was still buzzing under her skin, her heartbeat loud in her ears—but the moment she stopped in front of Mina, everything softened.

Mina hugged her arms to herself, eyes lowered. “You… you didn’t have to do that,” she said quietly. “For me.”

Rumi shook the anger off of herself, clearing her head. Her voice was gentler now, stripped of the snarl. “Yeah,” she said. “I did. She had it coming.”

She held out her hand.

Mina hesitated only a second before taking it, and Rumi pulled her up to her feet with steady ease. Mina was a little taller—just enough that Rumi had to tilt her head up to meet her eyes.

“Are you okay?” Rumi asked, searching her face. “Really.”

Mina nodded. “Yeah. It’s not the first time that’s happened—her talking to me like that…or about me...” She shrugged lightly, trying to brush it off. “I’ll be okay.”

Something tight twisted in Rumi’s chest at that.

She looked at Mina for a long moment, expression soft—no smile, no growl—just warmth.

“You know,” Rumi said, rubbing the back of her neck, suddenly shy, “you were my first kiss. And it was…” She paused, ears heating. “…nice.”

Mina’s face went red instantly.

Akahi cleared her throat loudly, shifting her weight. “I’m… gonna go grab our shoes and jackets from up top,” she said, already backing away. “I’ll, uh—let you two have your moment.”

She turned and jogged off before either of them could stop her.

Mina laughed softly, embarrassed, and Rumi let out a nervous chuckle to match it.

For a moment, they just stood there—close, quiet, the moonlight catching on wet hair and flushed faces—both of them very aware of how small the space between them suddenly felt.

Mina swallowed, nerves fluttering in her chest as she shifted her weight from foot to foot. Up close, she was even more awkward than Rumi expected—shoulders a little tense, hands fidgeting—but it was… adorable.

“So, uh,” Mina started, stealing a glance at her before looking away again. “I was your first kiss, huh?”

Rumi nodded, a faint heat creeping up her neck. “Yeah. I’ve… never kissed anyone before tonight.” Her fingers brushed Mina’s arm without thinking, a light, lingering touch.

Mina sucked in a sharp breath. A shiver ran up her spine, and she hated how obvious it was. She’d had it bad for Rumi for longer than she wanted to admit.

She hesitated, then lifted her chin just enough to meet Rumi’s eyes again. Her voice dropped—still shy, but steadier now. “Can I, um… can I kiss you again?”

For a heartbeat, the world felt very quiet.

Rumi blinked, clearly caught off guard, then her lips curved into a small, genuine smile. Her eyes softened, glowing faintly in the moonlight. “Yeah,” she said quietly. “You can.”

Mina didn’t rush it this time. She stepped closer, giving Rumi plenty of space to pull away—just in case. When Rumi didn’t, Mina leaned in, slow and careful, and pressed her lips to Rumi’s again.

The kiss was gentle but surer than before, warm and lingering. Rumi’s hand came up on instinct, resting at Mina’s waist, anchoring her there. When they finally pulled apart, both of them were a little breathless.

Rumi let out a soft laugh, forehead nearly touching Mina’s. “You’re… really brave, you know that?”

Mina smiled, cheeks still pink. “Only with you.”

Mina’s brown eyes held Rumi’s, steady this time—no hesitation, no question. She leaned in and kissed her again, slower, deeper than before, like she wanted Rumi to feel every second of it.

Her hand lifted to Rumi’s cheek, warm and gentle, thumb brushing lightly along her jaw. The other slid to Rumi’s back, fingers curling into the fabric there, pulling her closer without force—just enough to say stay.

Rumi stiffened for half a heartbeat, surprised, then melted into it. A soft sound slipped from her without her meaning to, and her hands found Mina almost instinctively—one resting at her hip, the other settling between her shoulder blades. She kissed her back just as slowly, just as carefully, like she was learning Mina’s rhythm as she went.

The world seemed to narrow to the warmth between them: the cool night air, the faint scent of lake water and pine, Mina’s steady breath so close Rumi could feel it. When they finally broke apart, Rumi didn’t pull away. Their foreheads stayed close, breaths mingling.

Her voice came out low, a little unsteady. “You didn’t ask that time.”

Mina smiled, shy but glowing. “I figured… you would’ve stopped me if you wanted to.”

Rumi’s lips curved into a soft smile of her own. “Yeah,” she said quietly. “I would’ve.”

Rumi gently brushed a few damp strands of hair from Mina’s face, tucking them behind her ear. Her fingers lingered for just a second longer than necessary. “We should probably get out of here before we catch a cold,” she said softly, her voice low enough that it was almost a whisper.

Mina nodded, looking down at Rumi, a little shy. “Yeah… good idea. You’ll catch a cold if you don’t get warm soon.”

Rumi chuckled softly, her fingers brushing over Mina’s again as she laced their hands together. “What about you? Aren’t you cold?”

Mina shook her head, her cheeks warming under Rumi’s gaze. “Nah… once you shift for the first time, you notice you run hotter than a normal human. It’s… a wolf thing, I guess. I’m actually cozy.”

Rumi felt herself leaning in without thinking, the warmth radiating off Mina wrapping around her. “Wow… so warm…” she murmured, half-moaning in contentment.

Mina’s smile faltered slightly, her gaze dropping to the path ahead. “Rumi… I—” She took a deep breath, her fingers tightening around Rumi’s. “I’m really sorry for being part of those pranks in the past. I feel… really bad. And I have since I started… crushing on you, if I’m being honest.”

Rumi didn’t look at her immediately, focusing on the winding forest path ahead so she wouldn’t stumble and take Mina down with her. “Yeah… they did suck. And you’re still a dick for doing it with Jupiter and… lover boy Jisoo,” she said with a teasing edge, making Mina’s shoulders twitch. “But I forgive you.”

Mina froze mid-step, her voice wavering. “You… forgive me?”

Rumi glanced down at her, a small, quiet smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah. Don’t let it happen again, though,” she said softly, squeezing Mina’s hand.

Mina’s eyes filled with a mixture of relief and something tender, something Rumi couldn’t quite name yet. She let out a small breath and smiled, letting herself lean into Rumi as they continued walking together, hand in hand, leaving the cold waters behind them.

Rumi and Mina finally pulled on their boots and jackets, the forest chill creeping in as the night deepened. Hand in hand, they retraced their steps back to Rumi’s cabin, careful not to wake her mom or Celine, both still sleeping peacefully inside. The moonlight danced on the window ledge they had climbed out of earlier, shadows stretching across the ground.

Mina lingered at the edge of the clearing, still holding Rumi’s hand. “It’s time for me to go to my cabin now, I guess,” she said softly, a hint of sadness in her tone.

Rumi squeezed her hand gently, smiling. “Hey, I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m not doing any official training, and if you’re free, maybe we can train together… or just spend time together. I’d like to get to know the real you.”

Mina’s blush deepened, her fingers tightening slightly around Rumi’s. “Yeah… I think I’ll like that a lot, actually.”

Rumi’s grin widened, and without hesitation, she leaned in, placing a hand lightly on Mina’s chest for balance, standing on her toes to close the gap. Their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss, warm and electrifying, full of the unspoken tension and connection they’d shared all evening. Mina wrapped her arms around Rumi instinctively, pressing closer, kissing her back gently but reverently. It was sweet, tender, and somehow grounding.

When they finally pulled apart, slightly out of breath, they smiled at each other, faces flushed and eyes shining.

“I hope we can do that more,” Mina whispered, brushing her nose against Rumi’s.

Rumi's voice was soft. "Yeah… me too." She smiled, before Mina finally let go.

“See you tomorrow, Rumi,” she added, stepping backward toward her cabin, eyes still locked on Rumi.

“See you tomorrow, Mina,” Rumi replied softly, her chest still fluttering from the closeness. Mina turned fully and walked out of sight, leaving Rumi standing there, a little dazed and smiling.

Akahi, who had been quiet up until now, finally broke the silence, her voice laced with disbelief. “Wow… what. The hell. Was that?”

Rumi’s lips tingled from the many kisses, a dazed smile on her face. “I kissed a girl tonight…” she admitted, almost in disbelief herself.

“Multiple times…” she added, shaking her head slightly.

Akahi’s voice shot higher, practically squeaking, though it was naturally deep and raspy. “Yeah, I could see that. But… with Mina? Are you kidding?!”

Rumi chuckled softly, still holding the warmth of the moment. “She’s not that bad, Akahi. You should’ve heard her when she apologized for the pranks… for going along with Jupiter and Jisoo’s stupid antics. She sounded genuinely sorry. I thought she was even going to start crying, actually.”

Akahi blinked, momentarily speechless, trying to process the revelation. “Well… are you actually going to see her tomorrow? Like, hang out with her?”

Rumi’s smile softened, a glimmer of something hopeful in her eyes. “Of course I am. Besides… it’ll piss off Jupiter a little, but more than that, I want to try being happy for once.”

Akahi shook her head, a small, knowing smile tugging at her lips. “Rumi… you’re ridiculous.”

Rumi laughed quietly, tucking her hands into her pockets, letting herself savor the warmth of Mina’s touch and the lingering excitement of the night. “Maybe. But at least I’m happy ridiculous.”

The night around them was calm, the forest quiet except for the soft rustle of leaves. For the first time in a long time, Rumi felt… light.

The cold hit all at once when Mina’s warmth finally vanished from Rumi’s side.

She sucked in a breath and shivered, rubbing her arms. “Come on,” she said to Akahi, trying to sound normal even as her chest still felt strangely tight. “Let’s get inside and get warm. It’s freezing out here now.”

She turned and started climbing up the side of the cabin toward her open window, boots finding familiar grooves in the wood. She’d done this a hundred times before.

Halfway up—

Pain flared.

“AH—!” Rumi gasped, fingers tightening in the wood. It wasn’t unbearable, just sharp enough to steal her breath. She gritted her teeth. Pulled a muscle. That’s all.

She climbed another foot.

Then the pain detonated.

White-hot, searing, tearing through her bones like fire poured into her veins.

“AHHHH—!” The scream ripped out of her, raw and animal. Her hands lost their grip and Akahi was suddenly there, arms locking around her waist as Rumi convulsed.

The pain vanished as suddenly as it came, leaving her gasping, drenched in sweat.

“What the fuck was that?!” Rumi choked.

She barely got the words out before it came back.

Stronger.

Deeper.

Inside her.

“WHAT’S—H-HAPPENING—TO ME?!” Her scream tore through the clearing, guttural and broken, nothing like her own voice.

Akahi hauled her upright, panic flooding her face as Rumi staggered, legs barely working. They half-walked, half-dragged toward the front of the cabin.

Then it hit Rumi.

Hard.

“No—no, no, no!” she screamed, clutching at her chest as something pushed back inside her, something huge and furious. “My first shift—! It’s too soon!”

Another wave ripped through her body and she collapsed to her knees in the dirt.

“I’M NOT SIXTEEN YET!” she screamed, tears streaking down her face. “THIS CAN’T HAPPEN—NOT NOW—!”

Her body betrayed her.

Bones cracked beneath her skin—loud, wet, sickening sounds. Her spine arched violently as it snapped and reformed, vertebrae grinding as they elongated to accommodate a body that was no longer human. Flesh tore where bone outgrew it, blood soaking into the dirt beneath her.

Akahi stumbled back, hands shaking, horror freezing her in place.

Rumi’s screams became constant—hoarse, feral, desperate—as her legs broke with sharp cracks and bent backward, reshaping into the brutal angles of a wolf’s hind limbs. Her arms lengthened, shoulders dislocating and resetting with a nauseating pop.

Her face contorted next.

Skin split at her nose and mouth as her skull pushed forward, bone forcing itself outward. Teeth sharpened and lengthened, gums bleeding as fangs emerged. Her jaw stretched, reshaped, muzzle forming beneath torn flesh.

The sound she made then wasn’t human.

It carried across the village.

Doors flew open.

“Rumi!” Mi-Yeong’s voice cut through the chaos as she burst from the cabin, claws already extended. Celine followed close behind—then stopped dead.

Mi-Yeong dropped to her knees beside her daughter, hands hovering helplessly as Rumi’s back arched again, spine snapping and stretching, ribs shifting outward to house a larger, deeper chest.

“No… it’s too early,” Mi-Yeong whispered, horror twisting her face. “How is this happening?”

More villagers gathered at the edges of the clearing.

Mina stood frozen among them, hand clamped over her mouth, eyes wide and shining as she watched Rumi break apart in front of her.

Fur burst from Rumi’s skin in a violent wave—violet-black, thick and glossy—spreading across her body like ink poured into water. Her ears crawled up the sides of her head, stretching, sharpening, curving back at the tips.

Bright purple zigzag markings flared into existence, starting at her nose, streaking over her skull and down her spine just as a tail tore free with a wet sound, unfurling behind her.

Her body grew.

And grew.

Nearly doubling in size as muscle packed onto her frame, reshaping her into something massive and unmistakably wolf.

The screaming stopped.

What remained in the dirt was no longer a girl.

A huge werewolf lay there, sides heaving, fur matted with blood and sweat. She whimpered—low and broken—amber eyes glowing faintly as they blinked against the world.

She tried to stand.

Her legs buckled instantly.

With a soft, exhausted sound, she collapsed back into the dirt, breath shuddering through her nostrils.

Rumi’s first wolf lay trembling beneath the night sky—shifted too soon, born in pain, and utterly spent.

Mi-Yeong hesitated.

Every instinct in her screamed to rush forward, to gather her child into her arms the way she had a thousand times before—but the creature in the dirt was not just her daughter anymore. Not yet. Not fully.

Rumi’s mind was chaos. Pain still echoed through her bones, her senses overwhelmed—every sound too loud, every scent too sharp, every movement a threat. She didn’t understand what was happening, only that everything felt wrong and too much.

“Rumi, baby…” Mi-Yeong said softly, voice trembling as she took a careful step closer. “Are you okay, darling?”

Mi-Yeong reached out.

Rumi reacted on pure fear.

With a sharp, panicked snarl, she snapped toward her—jaws opening wide, fangs massive and gleaming in the firelight. She didn’t bite, didn’t make contact, but she came close enough that Mi-Yeong felt the rush of hot breath and saw the terror blazing in her daughter’s glowing amber eyes.

“ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND, MI-YEONG?!” Celine shouted, yanking her back hard. “She doesn’t know herself right now!”

Mi-Yeong stumbled, heart breaking as she watched Rumi recoil, hackles raised, body shaking.

Mina stood frozen beside Akahi, fingers clenched into her sleeves. Awe and horror tangled in her chest as she stared at Rumi—beautiful and terrifying and unmistakably her all at once.

Rumi scrambled to her feet, paws digging into the dirt. She looked around wildly, breath coming in harsh pants. Too many people. Too many eyes. Too many threats.

Then she saw it.

The trees.

Open. Dark. Safe.

With a desperate whine, Rumi turned and bolted.

“RUMI!” Mi-Yeong cried, breaking free of Celine’s grip.

But it was already too late.

Rumi bounded into the forest, her massive form weaving between trees with frightening speed. Branches snapped beneath her weight as she vanished into the darkness, swallowed by the night in seconds.

No one followed.

Not Mi-Yeong. Not Akahi. Not Mina.

Not yet.

"Don't worry, she'll be back." Celine said, pulling Mi-Yeong in close, holding her as they both stood staring into the trees where Rumi ran.

The forest wrapped around her like a living thing.

Rumi ran until her lungs burned and her legs screamed, until the village scents faded and the noise in her head dulled to a low, aching thrum. Her paws ate up the ground effortlessly, her body moving on instinct alone.

Only when she finally slowed did she notice it.

The hunger.

It slammed into her like another shift—violent, gnawing, unbearable. Her stomach cramped, saliva flooding her mouth. She whined softly, shaking her head as she staggered to a stop.

Food.

She needed food.

Her mind struggled through the haze, clinging to rules drilled into her since she could walk.

No humans. Never humans.

She didn’t want to anyway. The thought alone made her stomach twist with something like revulsion.

She lowered her head and breathed in.

The world exploded into scent.

Damp earth. Moss. Old leaves. Rabbit—too small. Squirrel—too fast. Her ears flicked, tracking movement she didn’t even consciously register.

Then—

There. Her head snapped up.

Deer. A large buck.

Her mouth salivated instantly. Dripping from her massive jaws.

Rumi followed the scent trail through the trees, moving slower now, quieter. Her massive body sank low, muscles bunching beneath her fur. Every sound sharpened. Every breath measured.

She reached a clearing and froze.

The buck stood there, large and healthy, antlers catching faint moonlight. Perfect.

Her heart pounded—not with fear, but with focus.

Instinct took over.

Rumi lunged. Her body moving almost on it's own.

The deer bolted, hooves tearing up the ground as it ran—but she was faster. Stronger. Built for this. She closed the distance in seconds, crashing into it with her full weight.

They hit the ground hard.

Rumi clamped her jaws around its throat, fangs sinking deep. The buck kicked and thrashed, but she held on, growling low and fierce until its struggles weakened… then stopped.

Silence.

Her breathing came fast and heavy as she released it, staring down at her kill with wide, glowing eyes.

Then the hunger surged again.

She ate.

Tore into warm flesh, devouring it with desperate urgency. Blood coated her muzzle, soaked into her fur. She didn’t stop until there was nothing left—until the hunger finally, mercifully eased.

When she finished, she slumped to the ground, chest rising and falling as exhaustion washed over her.

Rumi lifted her head and howled.

Low. Broken. Lonely.

The sound echoed through the forest, carrying her fear and confusion into the night—far from the village, far from safety, and far from anyone who could tell her what she was becoming.

As a few hours passed, she wondered. Not really having a destination exactly, just…. walked. Sometimes on all fours, sometimes on two legs. She was hungry again in those few hours, and she hunted again.

Another deer. A doe.

Another kill.

Another feast.

After she was finished and there was nothing left behind. She started walking again. This time with a destination in mind. Home. To her mother. To her pack. And most of all…. To her.

Mina…

Then she felt it… that familiar agonizing pull— the wolf inside receding into her body as dawn peaked the horizon. Pale morning light covering the clearing she stumbled into. Her body ached—every muscle, every joint, every bone still screaming from the shift. The hunger had dulled after the kill, but the exhaustion was worse. She stumbled to a clearing and tried to slow down, only to feel her massive form quaking, limbs trembling.

No… not again… please, not now…

Her mind screamed in terror as she felt the familiar, agonizing pull—the werewolf inside her retreating, crawling back into her body. Her fur sank into her skin, cracking and tearing painfully as her bones shrank, twisting, snapping back into their teenage human form. She screamed into the morning air, a raw, guttural howl that carried through the trees, shaking loose her last shreds of strength.

I can’t… I can’t do this alone…

Her vision blurred as she swayed, the world tilting violently. Her limbs felt like lead. She tried to keep herself upright, but her body betrayed her.

Then she felt it—a familiar presence, warm and solid, moving through the trees.

"Rumi!"

Her name, soft and steady, cut through the haze of pain and panic.

Mina…

Rumi blinked through blurred vision and saw her. Mina, tall and confident in her blue-grey fur, shifting back with effortless grace. She was calm—trained, controlled—and yet, her eyes were full of worry.

"Shh… I’ve got you," Mina said, crouching in front of her. Her hands were steady as they held Rumi’s shoulders, anchoring her as the rest of her body went through the brutal reshaping.

I’m so… weak… why does it feel like this is killing me?

Rumi tried to speak, but only a dry, croaking whisper escaped. "Mina… I… it hurts…"

"I know," Mina replied softly, pressing a hand against Rumi’s back. "I know it does. Just… let it happen. You’re still you. You’ll survive this."

Still me…? Rumi thought, panic clawing at her mind. Am I still… Rumi? Or is this… something else now?

Her body shuddered violently, fur receding into skin, her elongated face snapping and crackling painfully back into its human shape. Her fangs remained, small and sharp, a reminder of what she had just become. Her ears stayed pointed, a subtle curve at the tips—still human, but with a whisper of wolf in them.

"Almost there," Mina murmured, holding her up as Rumi’s legs wobbled beneath her.

I… I survived… Rumi thought weakly, relief flooding her mind. And I… I killed that deer… I… I—

She blinked rapidly, realizing her hands and face were covered with blood. Not hers, not completely—prey blood. Her stomach churned at the memory, shame and instinct mixing in a confusing mess.

"I—what if…" she started, voice trembling. "What if I can’t control it… what if I hurt someone else?"

Mina brushed a strand of damp hair from Rumi’s face, her eyes soft and unwavering. "Hey… look at me. You’re still you. You’re my Rumi. That’s not going to change. And… you don’t have to do this alone anymore."

Rumi swallowed, leaning heavily into Mina’s hands. Her heart pounded. Alone… but not alone…

Mina pressed a kiss to Rumi’s forehead, warm and grounding. "You’re safe now. You made it through the first shift."

Rumi closed her eyes for a brief moment, letting herself relax just enough to feel the warmth of Mina pressed against her. I’m still me… and… maybe I like this… maybe I can survive…

When she opened her eyes, the clearing was quiet. Two figures—warm, protected, and entwined—sat together. Rumi’s chest rose and fell with ragged breaths, and a small, almost shy smile crept across her bloodied, dirty face.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice hoarse.

Mina only smiled back, gently wrapping her arms around Rumi as they stayed there in the clearing, the world slowly waking around them. "Always," she said softly.

Rumi’s thoughts drifted as she leaned into Mina, exhaustion and relief mingling in a way she hadn’t felt before.

The wind whispered through the trees, carrying the faint promise of dawn—and for the first time, Rumi let herself believe that she might be okay.

In the present…..

The memory finally passed, lingering in Rumi's mind as she now lay in bed, in compression shorts now, hair still slightly damp, fanned out under her and on either side. She turned her head to the right, to her night stand.

A framed photo of her and Mina.

Mina was smiling big and wide, her right eye closed as Rumi kissed her right cheek, squishing it in the process. Her right hand was on Mina's left cheek, pulling her into the kiss.

Her smile was so bright. And Rumi loved when her fangs came out, they made her look even cute. She used to run her fingers through her shorter dark red hair, it made her feel connected to Mina in a different way that felt safe, natural.

Rumi sits up and swings her legs over the edge of the bed, picks up the frame and brushes her thumb over Mina's face.

A couple tears fell, splashing on the glass. She sniffed and cursed under her breath. She just let the tears fall, no one was there to see her vulnerability after all.

"Fuck…" She whispers in shaky frustration. She presses the heel of her hand into her eyes, trying—and failing— to stop the tears.

"I miss her so much." She said softly, her voice trembling. She squeezed her eyes shut and just let it out.

After a short while, the tears finally stopped. She put the photo back on the night stand, wiping the tears off her face. She finally pushes herself up off the bed with a sigh.

"Alright. No more tears… she wouldn't want that…" She said to herself.

She opened some drawers of her dresser, pulling out a sports bra from one, black cargo sweat pants from another, and a hoodie from a third.

She got dressed quickly, adjusting her dick in her compression shorts for comfort before pulling on the sweat pants. Next came the sports bra. It was simple, not designer or anything, just a simple powder blue one with a black band. Then she slipped into a grey hoodie.

She also opted for socks. Mismatched because she doesn't bother trying to mate them after washing them

"Okay… Clothes? Check. Hair? Fuck…" She needed to do something about her hair. Braids would take too long, and she didn't want to deal with it down either. So she opted in a ponytail.

She didn't even bother with brushing her hair, as she didn't care too much about neatness. She just threw it up in a sloppy ponytail.

When she finished, she made her way to the front door of her cabin, and slipped on her grey boots that sat neatly next to it

She grabbed an apple from the basket on the counter and reached for the door handle.

She took a deep breath and blew it out, her shoulders dropping. Relaxed. "Okay. Don't let it get to you too much." She opened the door and walked out, closing it behind her.

Standing outside on her porch, Rumi closed her eyes and took a slow, deep breath, drawing in the natural scent of the night. Pine, damp earth, cold stone. Clean. Untouched.
Still quiet. Still peaceful.

Good, she thought. I need this.

She opened her eyes and stepped off the porch, boots thudding softly against the wood before crunching into the forest floor. Her path angled toward the treeline, toward the holding center—toward Mira. Hopefully still out.

As she walked, she idly tossed the apple up into the air, catching it once, twice. On the third toss, she caught it and bit down, fangs piercing the skin with ease, tearing away a crisp chunk. The sound echoed faintly in the stillness.

Her ears tilted instinctively to the left as she walked, attention drawn to the forest.

Trees groaned and creaked as they swayed, their trunks complaining quietly under the weight of the wind weaving through them. Leaves whispered overhead, rustling in soft bursts as small gusts passed through. Somewhere above, a pair of owls hooted—low, distant, unbothered.

Rumi exhaled through her nose, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

Yeah… this is home.

She took another bite of the apple, chewing slowly as she let her senses stretch outward. She had always loved the forest. Always. Walking through the tall pines and shorter brush, letting the world exist without demanding anything from her.

The soil beneath her boots smelled rich and alive. Sap bled faintly from bark somewhere nearby, sweet and sharp all at once. The air was crisp—cold enough to bite, clean enough to fill her lungs without resistance, carrying the ever-present hint of pine.

The city never had this.

Concrete swallowed scent. Noise drowned quiet. Street lights smothered the moonlight.

Out here, the moonlight filtered gently through the canopy, pale and silver, like it wanted her here. Like it always had. Every hunt. Every fight. Every half-shift during training when her wolf pushed close to the surface, restless and eager.

You feel it too, she thought, an unspoken thought meant for the thing under her skin. Don’t you?

Her fingers flexed at her sides as she continued forward, boots steady, posture relaxed—but alert. The forest answered her presence not with fear, but familiarity.

And for the first time since waking up, Rumi felt just a little steadier as she made her way toward the holding center.

Toward whatever came next.

When she approached, she finished her apple and threw it into brush to her left. She climbed the steps up to the massive door to the holding center. She placed a hand on the door.

Images flashed through her mind. Blood, screams, torn flesh, claw marks on walls. Anyone who seemed like a danger before their first shift got taken to this place, and chained up. Some willingly did it themselves. Some had to be taken there.

It was mostly for people who were bitten. Not born werewolves. Strangers that Rumi's pack didn't know, nor did they know what they could become after shifting. Some shifted hours after being bitten, while other took days before their first shift happened.

Rumi finally pushed the large doors open with a metallic groan and a deep fwoom. She entered and shut them with a loud thunk as they closed completely.

She turned to her right, staring at the first cell on the right. She prepared for a werewolf to be in that cell. She wasn't scared, or anything. Nothing scared her much anymore.

She looked through the hole that was a tiny window in the thick steel door. She didn't see a wolf, she saw a sleeping human.

Well, a human body with a wolf lying dormant under her skin, anyway.

Rumi lifted the lock, opened the door and stepped inside the cell, dragging a chair with her to sit in. She closed the cell door with a clank, and sat down, elbows on her knees, fingers laced with each other, pressing her hands to her lips.

And she waited, for as long as it took, until Mira finally woke up.a

Rumi entered the cell quietly.

She had waited until morning for Mira to wake, dragging a metal chair in from the hall and setting it a few feet away from the bed. She sat with her back straight at first, arms folded, eyes never leaving Mira’s still form.

Hours passed.

At some point—without meaning to—Rumi nodded off.

She slumped forward in the chair, arms crossed, chin dipping to her chest. A faint snore escaped her before she could stop it.

Sunlight poured in through the circular window set high in the ceiling, cutting through the dim cell like a spotlight. Dust drifted slowly through the beam.

A sound stirred her.

Rumi’s eyes snapped open.

The bed was empty.

The chains lay broken—steel snapped clean, links torn apart like brittle wire.

“No…” Rumi breathed, dread flooding her chest. “That’s impossible.”

She shot to her feet, heart hammering violently. The cell door hung open, bent inward. The massive outer doors of the holding center were pried apart just enough for a wolf to slip through.

Rumi ran.

Down the steps. Across the packed dirt. Toward the village.

And then she smelled it.

Blood.

Thick. Coppery. Overwhelming.

The scent curled around her like a living thing as she rounded a cabin—and stopped dead.

Her breath came fast, uneven. Her chest rose and fell too quickly.

“Oh spirits… no. No, no, no…”

Across the village center, she heard it.

Wet squelching.

Flesh tearing. Bone crunching.

There it stood.

A wolf—if it could even be called that.

Its body was grotesque, half-decayed. Dark brown, rotting fur clung to exposed muscle. Dark pink flesh ran from its nose, over its skull, down its spine and tail. The tail itself was a horror—half fur and meat, half bare bone.

Its face was worse.

Flesh hung in strips from its muzzle. Parts of its skull were fully exposed. One eye was clouded, the other a pitch black pit, staring into her soul with nothing inside. No glow. No color. Nothing.

A nightmare given form.

It lifted its head.

Dropped the body it had been feeding on.

And looked straight at her.

Rumi staggered back.

The creature stalked toward her slowly, deliberately.

She tried to shift.

Nothing.

She reached for her wolf—and felt nothing answer. No fangs. No claws. No heat beneath her skin.

She was human. Fully human.

"WHAT?! It-It's gone!"

Terror seized her.

Her gaze shot up to the creature inching closer by the second. She needed to make a decision. That's when she decided to run. To try to get away.

She turned and ran.

Branches whipped her face as she plunged into the forest. Behind her, the beast crashed through trees, snapping trunks with sheer force.

She didn’t see the root.

Her foot caught. Her ankle twisted—and snapped.

“AHHH—FUCK!”

Pain exploded through her leg. White-hot. Blinding.

She tried to stand but collapsed in the dirt and fallen leaves.

The creature bounded into view, stopping several yards away. It stood on all fours, head low.

“Mira!” Rumi sobbed. “Please—I’m not a threat! I saved you!”

Tears streamed down her face.

“This isn’t you. Fight it. Please. Don’t hurt me.”

The beast stepped closer.

“Oh spirits…” she whispered.

It paused, tilting its head. Hope flared—brief, fragile.

Then it growled and lunged.

Jaws opened— Darkness swallowed her whole.

Rumi jolted awake with a gasp, nearly falling out of the chair.

Her breath came ragged. Her hands gripped her knees so tightly her claws—half-shifted without her realizing—pressed into her own skin. Not enough to draw blood.

She froze.

Then released.

“Okay…” she panted. “Okay.”

She dragged in a shaky breath. Shifted fully back.

“I fell asleep… It was just a dream.” Her laugh was thin. Humorless.

She turned toward the bed.

Mira lay exactly where she had been. Sleeping. Chains intact.

Rumi slumped back into the chair.

“Thank gods,” she muttered.

She sat there for a long moment, forcing her breathing to steady. She stretched, rolling her shoulders, grounding herself.

Morning light still spilled down from the window.

She didn’t know the time. But assumed it was nearing late morning by now.

Then—

Mira stirred.

Slowly.

Finally waking.

Mira’s eyes fluttered open.

For a moment, everything was a blur—light bleeding into shadow, shapes without edges. She blinked hard, once… twice… until the haze snapped into focus.

Too sharp.

Her vision was crystal clear.

Mira frowned, lifting a hand toward her face out of instinct. Toward where her glasses should’ve been. Her arm barely moved before it stopped short, metal clinking softly.

“What the fuck…?” she muttered.

She lifted her head, finally looking down at herself. Chains. Thick, heavy, bolted into the concrete floor. Wrapped around her wrists.

“What the hell is this?!”

She yanked at them, panic spiking, the metal biting into her skin as she pulled harder.

A voice cut in, calm and low.

“You’ll hurt yourself trying to get out of those.”

Mira froze. Her head snapped toward the sound.

A woman sat slouched in a chair near the wall, half in shadow. She hadn’t noticed her before. Soft light from the circular skylight caught the edges of her hair, her jawline. The voice was… familiar. Too familiar.

“W—where am I?” Mira demanded, heart slamming in her chest. “Who the fuck are you?!”

The woman sighed and stood, sounding almost bored as she did.

“You’re safe,” she said evenly. “No thanks to me.”

She stepped forward into the beam of light.

And Mira saw her.

Recognition hit like a punch.

The woman from the woods.

The one who had thrown herself at that thing without hesitation.

Memories came rushing back all at once—too fast, too vivid.

The walk home.

The feeling of being watched.

The chase.

The pain—white-hot, blinding—when something slammed into her side. The bite on her leg. The crunch of bone. Her own screams, raw and animal.

The thing standing over her—too tall, hunched, wrong.

And then—

A smaller shape.

Violet-black fur.

Amber eyes. Teeth. Claws.

Saving her.

Mira sucked in a sharp breath, realizing she’d been staring.

“You…” Her voice wavered, then steadied. “You’re the one who saved me.”

The woman nodded once.

“What do you remember?” she asked. “Do you remember anything?”

Mira nodded. “Yeah… I remember.”

Her jaw tightened as the memories settled fully into place. The terror. The heat. The way her own body had betrayed her. She swallowed hard and finally really looked at herself again—at the chains, the concrete, the way her muscles felt wrong, heavier, coiled.

Rumi stopped a few feet away from her. Close enough to be heard clearly. Far enough to not feel like a threat.

“That thing that attacked you,” Rumi said evenly, “it bit you. And you survived. Which means—”

“No.” Mira cut her off instantly.

Rumi paused.

“No,” Mira repeated, sharper now. “Don’t you dare finish that sentence.” She yanked at the chains again, metal rattling violently. “You don’t get to say that shit like it’s nothing.”

Rumi exhaled slowly. “Mira—”

“I’m not a monster,” Mira snapped, eyes burning. “I’m not one of you.”

Rumi’s expression didn’t change much, but something dark flickered behind her eyes. Not anger. Something more tired than that.

“You’re a werewolf now,” she said bluntly. “And nothing is going to change that.”

Silence slammed down between them.

Mira stared at her, disbelief twisting into something ugly. “You’re lying.” A short, humorless laugh tore out of her. “You have to be. This is some fucked-up pack trick. Some cult bullshit.”

“It’s not,” Rumi replied. “And I wouldn’t waste my time lying to you.”

“Oh, fuck off,” Mira shot back. “You chained me to a floor in a concrete cell and you want me to believe you’re being honest?”

Rumi’s jaw flexed. “Those chains are the reason you didn’t wake up in the woods covered in someone else’s blood.”

Mira’s breath hitched despite herself.

Rumi continued, voice steady, unflinching. “Your first shift is coming. Soon. You don’t get to opt out. You don’t get to pretend this didn’t happen.”

“I had a life,” Mira hissed. “Friends. School. A future that didn’t involve—” she gestured violently at herself, at the room, “—this.”

“You still have a life,” Rumi said. “Just not the one you had yesterday.”

Mira’s laugh broke this time—raw, edged with panic. “So that’s it? I just don’t get to go back? I don’t get a choice?”

“For a while?” Rumi admitted. “No. You don’t.”

That finally did it.

“God, you’re unbelievable,” Mira spat. “You say that so calmly, like you’re talking about the weather. You don’t even care.”

Rumi’s eyes hardened. “Don’t confuse control with not caring.”

Mira leaned forward as far as the chains would allow, teeth bared. “You don’t know me. You don’t know what I can handle. I am not some animal that needs to be locked up and told what I am.”

Rumi stepped closer now, close enough that Mira could feel the heat radiating off her skin.

“You were hunted,” Rumi said quietly. “You were mauled. You should be dead. And instead you woke up seeing clearly for the first time in your life.”

Mira faltered—just for a second.

Rumi softened her voice, just a fraction. “I didn’t choose this either. None of us did. But pretending it isn’t real will get you killed. Or worse.”

Mira’s throat worked as she swallowed. Her eyes burned, furious and terrified all at once.

“So what,” she said hoarsely. “You’re my jailer now?”

Rumi shook her head. “No. I’m the one making sure you survive.”

Mira scoffed weakly. “Lucky me.”

Rumi held her gaze. “You can hate me if you want. You probably will. But this is your life now. And I won’t lie to you about that.”

The room went quiet again, filled only with Mira’s uneven breathing and the distant sounds of the forest outside.

After a long moment, Mira looked away.

“…I’m not thanking you,” she muttered.

Rumi didn’t smile. “Didn’t expect you to.”

Rumi turned toward the door of the cell, one hand already reaching for the handle.

"Wait!" Mira called out as Rumi stepped toward the door of the cell.

Rumi paused but didn’t turn around.

"Can you at least take these off me?" Mira asked, tugging at her wrists with mock impatience. "I mean… come on. I can barely move. This is, like, inhumane, you know?"

Rumi let out a slow exhale through her nose, still facing the door. "If I take those off," she said finally, turning to Mira, "you have to promise me that you won't try to dip out and go back home." Her eyes were sharp, piercing.

Mira crossed her arms, rolling her eyes. "I promise. I just want to at least be comfortable while I’m a prisoner here." She tilted her head. "Not that this is, you know, normal. I didn’t exactly sign up for this, just FYI."

Rumi’s lips twitched in annoyance. "You’re not a prisoner. This is for protection. Remember?"

"Riiight. Protection..." Mira repeated, dragging the word out like it tasted sour. She smirked. "Got it, protector extraordinaire."

Rumi huffed, annoyed but moving anyway. She crouched slightly, carefully undoing the restraints. The chains fell with a metallic clink onto the concrete floor.

Mira immediately rubbed at her wrists, stretching them and turning toward the wall opposite the bed. "At least I’ll have a better view than the ceiling all the time," she quipped with a small laugh.

Rumi’s mouth twitched at the corner, but she quickly forced her expression neutral. Annoying little shit, she thought. Can’t even be serious for one second.

"I’m serious," Rumi said, voice low but firm. "You will be okay in the long run. That much I can tell you."

Mira spun around, arms flailing slightly. "And what if I do try to leave, huh? What are you gonna do? Chain me up until I become a monster like you? Or—oh!—just leave me in here to rot until my first shift? 'Cause that sounds fun!"

Rumi’s patience snapped. In a flash, she closed the distance, one hand pressed against Mira’s throat, shoving her gently but firmly against the wall. Her other hand pressed against Mira’s stomach. It was controlled, measured, but there was no mistaking the warning in her tone.

"If you think you’ll be able to step one foot outside this cell before your first shift," Rumi growled, low and dangerous, fangs just visible, "you are sorely mistaken. And if you manage to get out of here, I will hunt you down and kill you myself."

Mira’s eyes widened, a mix of fear and indignation, her snark momentarily faltering. "O…okay! Alright! I…get it..." she choked out, voice strained under Rumi’s pressure.

Rumi finally let go, though she didn’t step back immediately. She scratched a small line along Mira’s neck, just enough to draw a hiss of pain. Mira lifted a hand to it reflexively, pressing it to her side.

Rumi stepped away at last, crossing the room and grabbing her jacket. She gave Mira a final, cold glance. "I’ll bring lunch soon," she said flatly.

Mira opened her mouth, probably to quip another sarcastic remark, but Rumi was already gone. The door slammed behind her before Mira could say another word.

Mira slumped back against the wall, rubbing her wrists and muttering under her breath. "Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable."

Mira sat there for what felt like an eternity, staring at the concrete walls and steel bars around her. Every sound—distant footsteps, creaking metal—made her flinch. Then, a terrifying thought crossed her mind, sharp as a blade.

Zoey…

Her stomach twisted. "She probably thinks I abandoned her, or worse… probably thinks I’m dead somewhere…" Mira let out a humorless laugh, the sound bouncing off the walls. "Yeah… that would check out."

She slumped back against the wall, the weight of guilt and panic pressing down on her. Then her eyes landed on her phone, wallet, and glasses sitting neatly on the metal table next to the bed. Her fingers twitched, but she hesitated before reaching for the phone.

Dead… of course it is. Why wouldn’t it be… she muttered under her breath. A shiver ran down her spine, and she let out a small sigh that vibrated against her lips.

Mira stood, stretching her arms above her head, shaking her shoulders loose. She rolled her neck, feeling her muscles protest after being cooped up for so long. "Hmm… pretty spacious, for a cell," she said aloud, shrugging. "Might as well take advantage of it while I’m stuck here. I am a dance major, after all."

She reached for the hair tie on her wrist and pulled her hair up into a tight ponytail. One snap and it was secured, keeping her dark locks out of her face. Then she took a step back and eyed the empty floor space.

Hip-hop. That’s what I was supposed to practice with Zoey today… but, nope. Not happening.

She planted her feet and dropped into stance, bouncing lightly on the balls of her feet. The music in her head was enough to get her started. She moved fluidly, her body remembering the drills she’d been practicing. Spins, slides, pops—everything she had learned.

Halfway through, she went for a jumping split. Only this time, she jumped higher than she expected. Time seemed to slow as she flailed slightly in midair before landing with a loud thud on her ass.

"Woah… that’s new," she muttered, shaking her head as she sat up, brushing the floor off her pants.

Not giving herself a chance to dwell, she got back up and dove into another sequence. A low sweeping leg move, followed by a spin—only this time she spun way too fast, the centrifugal force knocking her off balance and sending her sprawling onto her back.

"O-kay… What the hell is going on?" she said, flopping onto her back and staring at the ceiling. Her heart was racing, a mix of adrenaline and frustration. "I swear I could do this at home…"

She pushed herself up on her elbows, glaring at the cell walls like they were mocking her. "Alright… focus, Mira. You got this."

Mira finally found her rhythm. Each movement was sharper, faster, more controlled than before. Her jumps felt lighter, her spins smoother. The enhanced strength and reflexes her body now possessed after the shift allowed her to execute moves she never could have before. She flowed across the cell with ease, improvising, pushing herself to test the limits of what her body could do.

Heavy breathing and sharp grunts echoed off the walls, but she didn’t care. She was in her element. For a brief moment, the chains, the holding cell, and even Rumi’s earlier warnings faded away. It was just her, the music in her head, and the dance.

A particularly intricate spin ended with her landing in a crouch, fists tapping the floor, and she looked up, triumphant, a wide smile stretching across her face.

That’s when she noticed the faint sound of the door moving.

Through the small hole in the steel, Rumi peeked in, carrying a tray of food. She had expected to see Mira halfway through a shift—fury, claws, fangs—but instead… Mira was dancing. And damn, she was good.

Rumi watched, fascinated despite herself, as Mira finished her routine with a final, exaggerated pose, chest heaving, hair slightly disheveled, but radiating a victorious pride.

The cell door creaked as Rumi pushed it open. Mira turned immediately, still catching her breath, her triumphant smile faltering slightly as she realized Rumi was there.

“I brought lunch, like I said,” Rumi said, holding the tray up. Her voice was even, almost casual. “And… you’re really good at that.”

Mira blinked. For a moment, she just stared. Then a small, involuntary smile spread across her face. She was still out of breath, but the compliment—coming from Rumi, of all people—felt… rewarding.

“Thanks,” Mira said softly, her voice carrying a hint of pride.

Rumi’s eyes softened slightly as she stepped further into the cell, but she didn’t make a move to close the distance. Just a simple acknowledgment. “Don’t get too comfortable. Eat first. Save the celebration for later.”

Mira chuckled lightly, shaking her head. “Yeah… yeah, you’re right.”

Even with all the tension between them, hearing those words from Rumi—someone who could have very easily hurt her—made Mira feel a little… human again.

Rumi sat at one end of the bed, Mira at the other, facing each other with the tray balanced in the middle of the small mattress. Both were cross-legged, their knees nearly brushing the thin bedding.

“Maybe this won’t be so bad after all…” Mira murmured, barely above a whisper.

Rumi heard it anyway.

“You finally believe me?” she asked, taking a bite of her food like the question didn’t matter much either way.

Mira shook her head slightly. “No. Not quite.” She hesitated, then added more honestly, “But I do feel… different.”

“That’s it,” Rumi said, swallowing before continuing. “That’s your wolf’s strength. Its power.”

Mira frowned at her hands, flexing her fingers slowly. “It feels weird, honestly. I mean—I’m strong already. I dance, I work out. But this is different. I jumped higher than I ever have. My spins were faster. Too fast.” She huffed a quiet laugh, trying to downplay the spark of exhilaration she didn’t want to admit to. “It’s like my body isn’t listening to the old rules anymore.”

Rumi glanced at her sidelong. “It won’t. Not completely. You’ll learn where the new limits are.”

There was a pause.

Mira set her chopsticks down carefully, fingers curling into her palms. Her voice dropped, smaller now. “There’s… one more thing.”

Rumi stilled, watching her.

“I have a friend I live with,” Mira continued. “My best friend. Zoey.” Her throat tightened. “If I don’t come home… if she thinks I just disappeared, or—” She swallowed hard. “She might hurt herself. Or do something stupid trying to find me. And if she thinks I’m dead…”

Her voice trailed off.

Rumi didn’t interrupt. She just listened, jaw tightening almost imperceptibly.

“That’s not nothing,” Rumi finally said. “Pack bonds aren’t the only ones that matter.”

Mira looked at her sharply. “So what? You just expect me to sit here and do nothing while she’s out there thinking I abandoned her?”

Rumi exhaled through her nose, slow and controlled. “I expect you to survive your first shift. That comes first.” She paused, then added, quieter, “But I’m not heartless.”

Mira searched her face, trying to decide if that meant anything—or if it was just another line.

“So… you’ll help me?” Mira asked.

Rumi didn’t answer right away. She took another bite, thoughtful, eyes distant.

“We’ll see,” she said at last. “One problem at a time.”

It wasn’t reassurance.

But it wasn’t exactly a no either.