The full moon hung high in the night sky as Shadow prowled through the forest, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight. He lifted his nose, smelling the crisp evening air. His acute senses picked up the aromas of prey, beckoning him deeper into the woods as the gnawing hunger in his belly intensified. The strenuous shift always left him famished, his werewolf metabolism demanding large amounts of caloric intake to sustain his powerful wolf form.
Ahead, Shadow spotted flickering movement between the trees. A squirrel sat grooming itself, blissfully unaware of the danger lurking in the dark. Although not as filling as he would have preferred, it would at least tide him over until he found something more substantial. Dropping into a crouch, Shadow crept forward, the fur on his back bristling with anticipation.
But suddenly, a searing pain shot through his right front leg. In his focus on the squirrel, he stumbled into a silver trap hidden under the leaves. Razor-sharp teeth slammed shut, piercing his flesh. Shadow released a pained yelp as he thrashed, trying to wrench himself free.
Shadow struggled for several agonizing minutes before, at last, managing to wrench himself free, leaving behind blood and fur. Shadow licked at his mangled leg to ease the pain, but the damage was done. He could already feel infection burning within the wound and the silver in his blood draining his energy.
Trembling with pain, he knew there was only one person who could heal him – his beloved, Amy. He had sought her aid before when grievously injured, the gentle witch possessing a gift for healing, but he was always leery of seeking refuge at her home during a full moon. Though he worked hard to manage his lupine instincts, there was always that lingering doubt. That fear that hunger and the ferocity within him might override any semblance of his humanity and memory, and in his feral haze, he would not see Amy as the woman he loved but as potential prey.
Not to mention that he was hunted by those who feared and misunderstood his kind. If the hunters were to track him to her doorstep, they would both be in danger.
But with silver burning in his bloodstream like acid, Shadow had no choice. He needed Amy's gentle touch to draw out the venom and mend his wounds, or he would quickly succumb to the toxin. Gritting his powerful jaws, Shadow limped through the inky blackness; his movements strained but desperate.
Shadow trudged along with his ears pressed against his head until he caught the familiar scent of rosemary combined with honey. Mustering what was left of his strength, he picked up his pace and followed the smell to a cottage nestled in a large clearing that hummed with magic.
Reaching the back door, Shadow lifted a trembling paw and scratched at the weathered wood.
After a few agonizing moments, the door creaked open. Amy stood silhouetted in the doorway, with pink hair that cascaded in gentle waves just past her shoulders and eyes the color of the deepest forests. Her eyes widened as she took in Shadow's damaged leg.
"Shadow!" she cried, kneeling before him. She ran her hands gently over the tender flesh as Shadow winced, frowning at the severity of the injury. "Oh, my poor love, what happened to you?"
She guided Shadow into her cottage, cooing words of comfort as she settled him down on a soft rug by the fireplace. Kneeling beside him, Amy gently examined Shadow's injured leg, her brow furrowing with concern as she inspected the ragged wound. "This looks bad," she murmured, carefully probing the torn flesh. "I can see tiny pieces of the silver trap still embedded in your skin."
She shook her head, tendrils of pink hair falling across her face. "We need to get those out and neutralize the silver's toxicity before it spreads further through your system." Amy stroked Shadow's fur soothingly. "Don't worry, my love. I'll take care of you."
She let her magic flow through her fingertips into Shadow's leg. A pink glow enveloped the injury, gradually drawing out the silver fragments and healing the damage they had wrought. Shadow let out a low, pained growl but remained still, trusting in Amy's care.
"You're being so brave," she murmured. "Just a little more, and you'll be right as rain."
Slowly but surely, the final piece of silver was removed. Amy sealed the wound with a whispered spell. The torn flesh knitted itself back together, becoming smooth, healthy skin once more.
"There, all better now." Amy smiled in relief, gently running her fingers through Shadow's thick fur.
Shadow lifted his head, giving an experimental lick at his fully healed leg. Feeling no lingering pain, he turned to Amy with eyes brimming with gratitude and love. He nuzzled his nose against her hand in thanks, wishing he could speak to tell her how much this meant to him. As if sensing his thoughts, she placed a kiss between his ears. "You're welcome, my dear."
Shadow's crimson eyes began to drift closed, exhausted from the ordeal. But just as he was about to drift into slumber, his stomach let out a loud growl, snapping him back to awareness.
Right. Food.
Amy smiled sympathetically as she rose to her feet. "Sounds like someone needs some dinner. Wait right here, I have just the thing."
She hurried into the kitchen area, leaving Shadow to rest comfortably by the crackling fire. He could hear her rummaging about and the clink of glass jars being moved. A few minutes later, Amy returned carrying a large plate laden with chunks of raw beef liver. Shadow's nose twitched as she set down the plate before him. With a soft woof of thanks, he lowered his head and eagerly devoured his meal.
Once he was finished, Shadow nuzzled her hand again, and Amy chuckled. "What? Do you want more food, or are you just being affectionate?"
He huffed softly and settled his head in Amy's lap, his tail thumping against the floor as she gently stroked his fur. His eyelids grew heavy as the fire's warmth seeped into his coat, and he drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep.
…
The morning sun filtered through the cottage windows, rousing Shadow from his slumber. He blinked, momentarily disoriented, to find himself with a blanket wrapped around his otherwise naked body, his fur replaced by bronzed skin with warm golden undertones and his crimson eyes back to their usual amber hue. As the lingering grogginess faded, memories of the previous night came back in full force – the trap, limping through the woods into Amy's arms, her gentle ministrations as she tended to his injury.
He sat up slowly, running his fingers through a thick mane of black hair tousled from sleep. Glancing around, he spotted a set of clothes neatly folded on a nearby chair. Amy always kept spare outfits for him for occasions such as this, ensuring he was comfortable and covered in his human form. Holding the blanket around his waist, Shadow padded to the clothes and quickly dressed himself.
As he finished dressing, Amy entered the cozy living room from the kitchen, a ceramic mug cradled in her hands. The inviting aroma of freshly brewed tea wafted through the air. A soft smile played across her lips as she spotted Shadow, now human and dressed, standing by the fireplace.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," she said sweetly, handing him the tea. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better, thanks to you," Shadow replied, gratefully accepting the mug. His deep voice resonated with a subtle growl.
Amy brushed a few stray locks of hair from her face, her expression growing serious. "You had me worried last night. The hunter's traps are getting more vicious."
Shadow nodded solemnly. "I know. I should have been more careful."
"It's not just that," she continued. "With winter coming, the snow will make traps even harder to detect, not to mention finding food will be more difficult."
Shadow sipped the tea, savoring the warmth as it spread through his body. He knew Amy was right; the coming winter months would pose even greater challenges during the full moon.
But he knew he couldn't simply remain confined to his small cabin deep in the forest. The restlessness that consumed him under the full moon's rays made staying cooped up indoors all night impossible. He would go stir-crazy, pacing and clawing at the walls in a frenzied state. Plus, even muffled within the tree line, his frantic howls would likely carry to outlying farms and residences on those crystal clear winter nights. Discovery was too grave a risk.
A gentle hand on his arm snapped Shadow from his troubled thoughts. Amy's warm green eyes shone with understanding.
"Shadow, I think it would be safer if you stayed here with me during the full moons. At least until spring arrives."
Shadow nearly choked on his tea. "Here? With you?"
"Well, why not?" Amy tilted her head. "You'd be safe here; this clearing is big enough so you won't feel restricted, and I'd sleep better knowing you're not wandering through the woods injured or starving."
Shadow hesitated. True, the idea of having a safe place to stay during the nights of the full moon and spending more time with Amy greatly appealed to him, but old instincts screamed at him to refuse. One slip of control, one violent outburst, could leave her broken and bloodied. "Rose, I can't. The risk to you-"
"You've never shown any sign of aggression towards me before," she interrupted gently. "And even if it came to that, which I doubt it would, I'm far from defenseless." To demonstrate, she held up a hand surrounded by glowing pink energy. "I may not have your claws and fangs, but I'm more than capable of handling one grumpy werewolf."
Despite himself, Shadow huffed a small laugh. But his amusement quickly faded back to doubt. "What if the hunters were to find out I was here? I can't bear the thought of you getting caught in the crossfire, all because of me."
But Amy shook her head, undeterred. "You've come to me before after your transformations, have you not? How is this any different?"
"Those times were out of desperation!" Shadow protested, feeling his heart rate quicken with rising panic at the mere thought of putting her in harm's way. "If word were to spread that you willingly let a werewolf into your home each month…" He shook his head wearily. "You deserve better than to be chained to a monster constantly."
Amy's gaze turned sad, her hand coming up to cup his cheek. "Is that what you still see yourself as?"
Shadow didn't reply, but the shame darkening his eyes spoke volumes. She leaned forward until her forehead touched his, strands of her hair mingling with his own.
"You are no monster, Shadow. The curse forced upon you was not of your choosing. Don't let their hate and fear change how you see yourself."
Shadow pulled Amy close, clinging to her as if she were his anchor in a volatile sea. She held him just as fiercely in return, letting a peaceful silence stretch between them.
After a few moments, Amy pulled back slightly to look into Shadow's eyes. "Besides, I have something to help keep us both safe."
Shadow raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "What did you have in mind?"
"A cloaking spell," she replied. "During the full moon nights, I can enchant the cottage and surrounding area. No one with ill intent will be able to perceive it, let alone enter the boundaries I set."
Shadow's eyes widened at this revelation. "You've never mentioned being able to do that before."
Amy shrugged one shoulder. "It's a fairly new skill I've only recently mastered. The concealment magic requires immense energy to cast, especially over an area this large, but I'm confident I can manage it." She gave him a reassuring smile. "You'd be completely safe here. The hunters wouldn't even know you were nearby."
Shadow felt a tiny ember of hope within his chest kindle into a flame. A safe haven, shielded from the threat of violence. He could let his guard down during his cursed nights without fear of putting Amy in danger or being hunted himself.
"Are you sure about this?" he asked, still wrestling with his doubts. "Maintaining that kind of magic can't be easy."
"Of course I'm sure," Amy stated firmly, taking his hand again. "Knowing you're out of harm's way will give me peace of mind. And your company will be a welcome comfort during those long, cold nights."
She gently squeezed his hand. "Let me take care of you, Shadow. You don't have to face this alone anymore."
Shadow searched her eyes, seeing nothing but unwavering care and determination. This remarkable woman feared nothing about him, not his bestial form or ravenous hunger. All she wished was to provide him comfort and respite.
Slowly, Shadow lifted their intertwined hands and pressed his lips to her knuckles. "If you're certain it won't be too taxing, then… yes. I'll stay."
Amy's face lit up with a radiant smile. "Then it's settled. My home is yours for as long as you need it."
She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his in a gentle kiss. Shadow's eyes slipped closed as he lost himself in her sweet taste and soothing scent, finally allowing the last remnants of his doubts to ebb away. When they parted, he caressed her cheek tenderly.
"Thank you, Rose. For everything."
