Sandy Polycarp

Selene’s back pressed against the ancient tree, the forest alive with the rustle of leaves and the distant sound of howls. Kael stood inches from her, his breath warm against the cold night air.
“You don’t trust me,” he said, his voice low, almost breaking. “I see it in your eyes.”
“How can I?” she whispered, her hand instinctively covering the scar on her collarbone. “You were sent to watch me… to kill me if I lose control.”
Kael’s jaw tightened, and his golden eyes softened. “I was sent to stop you, yes. But then I met you, Selene. You’re not a monster. You’re not what they say.”
“Then what am I?” she asked, her voice trembling, caught between anger and despair.
Kael hesitated, his hand brushing hers as if grounding her. “You’re everything they fear… and everything I can’t let go of.”
Before she could respond, the forest fell deathly silent. A shadow shifted behind Kael, and a low growl rumbled from the darkness.
“They’ve found us,” he said, turning to shield her as glowing eyes emerged from the trees.
“Kael,” Selene whispered, her breath hitching. “It’s not them. It’s something worse.”
The air grew heavier, and the scar on her collarbone burned like fire.