Fragile Truce

Nova woke slowly, the haze of exhaustion still clinging to her like a heavy blanket. A deep, gnawing ache rumbled within, demanding her attention. Her body had clearly used what little energy she had left to heal. As her senses sharpened, she realized her breathing was easier, and though pain still lingered, it was less sharp than before.

The musty smell of the shack surrounded her once again. The light streaming in through the cracks revealed the same dingy surroundings, the rough wood and dirt floor unchanging. The fire in the middle of the room had burned down to embers, leaving only a faint warmth in the air. But this time, she was alone.

Her stomach growled again, loud and insistent. The rich, savory scent of meat filled Nova's senses, breaking through the mustiness and pulling her fully from the haze of sleep. Her mouth watered as the smell grew stronger, sharp and gamey, cutting through her lingering fatigue.

She pushed herself up slowly, her muscles trembling but obeying. Every movement felt stiff and tentative, her body a patchwork of aches and soreness. Hunger clawed at her relentlessly, shoving aside her unease as her gaze swept the room. That's when she saw them: several rabbits strung up on a rough wooden rack near the wall, tantalizingly close.

Without a second thought, she lunged forward, grabbing the nearest one with her jaws. The taste of blood and meat flooded her senses as she tore into it, her instincts taking over. Each bite was feral and desperate, the hunger consuming her completely. She didn't think, didn't hesitate—there was only the need to fill the void gnawing at her from the inside.

The taste of the meat sent a wave of relief through her body. She devoured the rabbits one after another, the hunger dulling with each bite. When the last morsel was gone, she sat back, licking her bloodied muzzle and panting slightly. Her body felt lighter now, less fraught with pain, though her muscles still trembled from the effort. The ache in her stomach had eased, replaced by a strange awareness that prickled at the edge of her thoughts.

She began to pace the room, her nose twitching as she took in the scents around her. The lingering musk of the man who had saved her was unmistakable—earthy, wild, and unexpectedly pleasant. Her wolf stirred at the thought, a mixture of wariness and curiosity rippling through her. She couldn't ignore it—he hadn't been gone long.

Her paws carried her to the far corners of the shack, where she nosed through stray items: a small pile of tools, a worn wool blanket, and a crude knife resting on a makeshift table. Each item seemed ordinary, yet their presence sparked questions. Who was he? Why had he gone out of his way to help her? And what kind of life did someone who lived like this lead? The mystery gnawed at her as much as the hunger had.

She was still puzzling over it when a faint noise outside froze her in place. Ears twitching, Nova crept back toward her corner, her movements slow and deliberate. The sound of approaching footsteps grew louder, crunching against the earth outside. She wanted to hide, or to fight, but her exhaustion left her with few options. Quickly, she lay down, curling herself into a defensive position and feigning sleep.

The door creaked open, a faint rush of cool air carrying with it the traces of smoke, earth, and forest that clung to the man.. She kept her breathing even, her body tense as she listened to him enter.

"Nice try," his voice said, laced with amusement. "I know you're awake."

Huffing, Nova cracked one eye open, meeting his gaze as he stepped into the room. He carried a bundle of firewood in his arms, his movements calm and unhurried. He set the wood down near the fire pit and crouched, striking a match to reignite the flames. Sparks danced into the air, the fire growing stronger with each flick of his hand.

She didn't move, her body still coiled as she watched him through narrowed eyes. His presence filled the room again, heavy and deliberate, like a predator claiming its territory. The air between them crackled with unspoken tension, her refusing to let her guard down.

"I see you ate our breakfast," he said casually, his eyes flicking briefly to the empty rack where the rabbits had hung. "Nice to see you're settling in so comfortably. Next time, maybe leave me a leg?"

Nova growled faintly, more out of habit than hostility. She hated the vulnerability that clung to her, hated that he had seen her in such a desperate state.

"You're welcome, by the way," he added, the faint smirk on his lips growing. "Glad to know my cooking skills are appreciated."

"Feeling better?" he asked after a moment, his tone light but probing. He sat back on his heels, studying her with an intensity that made her skin prickle.

Nova held his gaze, her body still tense. She wanted to respond, but the words wouldn't come. The frustration swelled again, a low growl rumbling in her chest.

"You've got questions," he said finally, his voice quieter now. "And I'll answer them. But first, you need to trust me."

The words hung in the air, heavy and undeniable. Nova's wolf stirred uneasily, her instincts torn between wariness and the faint pull of something. She didn't trust him—not yet—but the exhaustion in her limbs and the ache in her chest left her with little room to argue.

The fire crackled softly between them, the fragile light casting shadows across the room. Nova's ears twitched as she watched him settle near the flames, his movements deliberate yet relaxed. For now, she would stay, but the questions burning in her mind remained unanswered, simmering beneath the surface like the embers at their feet.