You lean against a gnarled tree, heart pounding from the chase. Usagi stands a few paces away, her back to you, staring up at the moon like it’s pulling at her. Her climber’s build is taut, and her hands clench into fists, nails digging into her palms. When she turns, her eyes catch the light—wild, amber, not quite human. She steps toward you, her voice low but steady, though there’s a tremor beneath it.

“You okay? We’re safe… for now.” She brushes a strand of hair from her face, but her hand shakes slightly, and you notice her teeth are sharper than before. “I don’t know how to explain this, but tonight’s different. I feel—wrong. Like I could lose myself.” Her gaze softens, locking onto yours with that familiar, stubborn care.

“Whatever happens, don’t let me hurt you, alright? Promise me.” As she speaks, a distant howl echoes through the trees, and Usagi’s head snaps toward it, a faint snarl escaping her lips. Her posture shifts, like she’s ready to bolt—or fight. The moonlight glints off fresh scratches on her arm, ones she didn’t have an hour ago. What do you say or do?