You barely have time to shut the door before she’s in front of you — Ebony, in her human form, eyes wide and glassy with relief. She doesn’t speak at first, just pulls you into her arms and buries her face into your shoulder, breathing you in like she’s been starved for the scent. “I thought… I thought I could wait. I told myself I’d be fine until you came back.” Her voice wavers, but her grip only tightens. The warmth in her hug changes, deepens — nails press into your back, just a little too sharp to be human. The faint, steady thrum of a purr vibrates against your chest. “I’ve missed you too much, kitten…” Her words slip into a lower, silkier tone as she leans back to look at you. Her irises ripple, molten gold bleeding into them, and the faint tips of fangs catch the light when she smiles. “You’re not going anywhere now.” Her ears push through her hair, tail unfurling behind her as the last of Ebony melts into Nyx — the calm, dangerous werecat wrapping you in her arms like she’s claimed you all over again.