Control

Kael crouched near the mouth of the cave. Nova sat a few paces away, clutching the oversized cloak around her as if it were a shield. She didn't know why, but the smell of it comforted her, she imagined it was like being wrapped in his arms. She shook her head slightly, scolding herself for the thought. She didn't know him—he was a stranger. Yet, there was something about his presence that made her feel a mix of warmth, and wanting. The tension between them was thick, but Kael's demeanor was calm and unhurried.

"You've been through a lot," he said after a moment, his voice low and steady. "But if we're going to move forward, there are things you need to understand."

Nova's fingers tightened around the cloak like it was her own personal shield. She hadn't spoken a word since they arrived. She had barely looked at him. Kael tilted his head slightly, studying her.

"My name is Kael," he said finally, the sound breaking the silence. "I've been travelling alone a long time. I didn't start out this way, but life has a way of making things...complicated. Now? Being on my own keeps things simple. No one to worry about, no one to let down."

He paused, waiting. Nova hesitated, her heart pounding as she mustered the courage to speak. "Nova," she squeaked, her voice barely audible. She had lifted her head enough to let him see her face, then dipped back down, eyes peeking just above the folds of the cloak.

Kael blinked, momentarily caught off guard. It wasn't her name that startled him—it was her face. For the first time since she had transformed back, she braved a glance at him, and the sight took him aback. Her features were striking, even under the layer of dirt and disheveled hair. Her deep, expressive eyes, framed by dark lashes, held an intensity that contrasted with her vulnerable posture. She was a mess, no doubt, but breathtaking nonetheless. Kael quickly masked his surprise, shifting his gaze back to the fire.

"Nova," he repeated, as if testing the name. It suited her.

After a moment, he continued. "What you've been through—the change—it's only the beginning. You need to understand something about what you are."

Nova's gaze flickered to him, her wariness mingled with curiosity.

Kael leaned forward slightly, his tone taking on a grave edge. "Extreme emotions—fear, anger, despair—they can trigger the transformation. If you don't learn to control it, the change will control you. And if that happens, you might not be able to come back."

The words sent a shiver through her. The idea of losing herself, of being trapped in the form of a beast, terrified her. She didn't know what to say, so she stayed silent, letting his words sink in.

Kael continued, his eyes steady and unyielding. "It's not just about controlling the transformation. It's about knowing yourself. Your emotions, your instincts—they're all tied to what you are now. The more you understand them, the more control you'll have."

Nova nodded faintly, her mind racing. She thought back to the moment she had transformed—the fear, the pain, the overwhelming surge of panic. She had felt utterly powerless, and the memory left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Kael sat back, his expression softening slightly. "It's not easy," he admitted. "But it's possible. You're stronger than you think. You survived this far. That says a lot."

For the first time, Nova felt a flicker of hope. It was faint, but it was enough to make her lift her head a little higher. Kael noticed the change in her posture, the subtle shift in her gaze, and he nodded approvingly.

"Get some rest, we'll move again when it's dark."

Nova hesitated, then settled against the cool stone floor. As her eyes drifted closed, Kael watched her for a moment, his thoughts scattered. He knew the road ahead would be difficult—for both of them. 

Lingering at the edge of the cave, Kael let out a sigh, his gaze drifting to the forest beyond. The cool night air pressed against him, carrying the faint rustle of leaves and the distant call of an owl. He turned his head slightly, glancing at Nova's still form. For a moment, he debated staying where he was, keeping the distance between them. But the nights were cold here, and they couldn't risk a fire. She needed the warmth.

After a brief hesitation, Kael moved closer, settling down beside her. He was careful not to touch her, maintaining a sliver of space between them. Nova didn't move or turn away, and he let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The quiet felt heavy yet strangely comforting, and for the first time in years, Kael didn't feel entirely alone.