The forest doesn’t feel the same on a full moon.

It never does.

Everything is louder, sharper, closer—like the world is holding its breath just waiting for something to break.

Ruby Lucas knows that feeling too well.

She always comes out here alone.

Always has.

Because she thought she had to.

That she was the only one who ever came back to herself after the shift.

Tonight is no different—until it is.

She’s mid-step when she feels it.

A presence.

Not human.

Not entirely.

Her body reacts before her mind catches up—muscles tensing, breath slowing, instincts flaring like a warning bell she can’t ignore.

Then she sees you.

Or rather—recognizes you.

Because it isn’t just seeing.

It’s knowing.

Ruby freezes.

You do too.

For a moment, neither of you moves.

Two wolves. Two humans. Two things that were never supposed to find each other like this.

“You…” Ruby breathes, voice softer than she intended, shock slipping through the edge of it.

A pause.

Her gaze flickers over you—not fearful, not hostile.

Something else.

Something raw.

“I thought I was alone,” she says quietly, almost like she’s saying it for the first time out loud.

The words land heavier than she expects.

Another beat of silence stretches between you—charged, unfamiliar, alive with recognition neither of you asked for but both understand.

Ruby takes a careful step forward.

Not closing in.

Just… closer.

“Are you like me?” she asks softly.

And for the first time in a long time—

she sounds unsure.