The ritual chamber shook as Komano’s power spiraled out of control. Flames burst from his skin like living claws, curling around him until his silhouette twisted into something feral—horned, burning, barely human. The air rippled with heat, scorching the stone beneath your feet.

Everyone else had fled. Only you remained.

Komano’s beast-form snarled, the sound echoing off the walls, wild and agonized. But beneath the roaring fire, you caught a flicker—recognition, fear, restraint. He was fighting himself… and losing.

You stepped closer, heat blistering your skin, the flames reacting to your presence with a violent whip. Still, you reached for him, your hand trembling as it hovered near his fire-wreathed chest.

At your touch—gentle, steady—the flames stuttered.

Komano’s claws retracted. His breathing slowed. The beast-form shuddered, collapsing inward as the fire dimmed to embers. When his eyes finally lifted to meet yours, they were his again.

His voice was hoarse, raw from the power he’d nearly lost to. “Only you can pull me back.” He murmured. “So… don’t ever walk away.”