The moon cast an eerie glow over the city as I leaned against the cold brick wall, breaths coming in sharp bursts. Hunger clawed at my insides like a hungry beast waiting to break free; the weight of it was overwhelming.
The air was filled with expectation, and shadows seemed to close in around me. Zephara's words, filled with worry, echoed in my mind, urging me to be careful in the face of risk. Yet, how could I ignore the urge simmering within me? The Noctra blood that coursed through my veins stirred, eating at my resolve to keep my deeper urges at bay.
Standing there, I felt the seriousness of my split guardian and predator. Tall and intimidating, my jet-black hair framed sharp blue eyes that shifted with turmoil. The wolf tattoo twisted tightly on my wrist seemed to pulse with my growing hunger, a visceral reminder of who I was.
I pushed off the wall, tracking now, fear rising in my chest. How far would I go to keep Zephara safe? Would she ever see me as more than just a monster? The smell of citrus from earlier remained in my thoughts, a stark contrast to the growing darkness around me.
As if called by my doubt, a faraway sound, a soft laughter, cut through the night's heaviness, sending a jolt of recognition down my spine. I knew that voice; it was Zephara, but why did it fill me with dread?
Following the sound, I navigated the neon-lit streets, each step heavy with dread. The night buzzed with contrived laughter and talk, yet my focus improved, leading me to a nearby bar that throbbed with life.
The doorway called me, and as I stepped inside, the atmosphere engulfed me. Dim lights flickered gently, illuminating the familiar joyful faces of customers; laughter echoed across the room. There she was, Zephara, sitting on a barstool, her laughter a siren call, fully involved in conversation with another man.
The sight twisted my insides. Jealousy flared hot and uncontrolled; how could she be so carefree when shadows loomed just outside? Clad in a fitted black dress that hugged her every shape, she oozed confidence and appeal. Her enchanting green eyes sparkled with mischief, sparking layers of unexpressed feelings bubbling beneath the surface.
Some transient force compelled me to approach, but the familiar tides of hunger rolled in dangerously, demanding I face the storm of feelings I had kept hidden too long.
"Dax!" Zephara's words cut through the noise, pulling my gaze toward her as she noticed me.
I opened my mouth to greet her, but my words were swallowed as the man beside her leaned in closer, their laughter mixing provocatively. A rush of possessiveness rose within me, an emotion so primal it sent a shock through my body.
With each step toward the pair, adrenaline rushed through my blood, igniting the tension around us. My heart raced like a wild animal as the ambient sounds of the bar faded into the background, consumed by the fire burning behind my eyes.
"Hey," I said, injecting power into my tone; there was no mistake that I had come to claim my ground. Standing close, I trained my gaze on the man breaking my moment with her. "Mind if I cut in?"
The atmosphere changed, swelling like tangled threads. The man barely glanced my way, his attention staying on Zephara, who looked at me with surprise and something else, a curious flicker that made my heart twist.
"Dax!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with a mix of joy and uncertainty.
"You're in her space," I growled, stress squeezing me. Protectiveness rushed within me, intensifying the wolf's presence hiding beneath my skin.
The man straightened, sending a dismissive look in my way. "Back off, buddy. She's just enjoying a drink."
Every nerve in my body tensed; I could feel the onlookers' eyes; the bar's patrons were glued to the approaching conflict, feeling the friction in the air. My possessiveness raged, twisting and knotting around my senses.
"Step aside," I snapped, energy sparking between us like a live wire. I couldn't let this stranger invade, and yet the realization of my own protective tendencies rattled within me. "You're not welcome here."
Zephara's presence felt like a beacon, but the thought of losing her sparked my protective instincts to a feral level. "Dax, wait," she began, her voice tinged with warning, but my gaze was locked on the man, unwilling to back down now.
At that time, I could not allow elements of my past to engulf me; I needed to stand my ground. "You have no idea what you're dealing with," I warned, hands tightening around my weaknesses.
Suddenly, laughter erupted from the crowd, and the mood changed strangely. I caught a glimpse of a familiar face slipping into the bar, a foe I hadn't expected. Fear slithered through my gut as discomfort replaced the rush of energy.
"Dax Corvus," my foe grinned, his voice smooth as silk. "Still playing hero, I see?"
The crowd leaned closer, tension stretching out as they expected the fight between us.
My heart raced as the bar fell silent, all eyes rapt on the conflict building. The taste of fear hung thick in the air as I stood my ground, unwilling to let Zephara slip away from me, even for a moment.
"Don't you have better things to do than stalk around here?" I replied sharply, my voice edged with anger.
"Oh, if only you knew," he answered, a glimmer of venom in his eyes. "You think you can protect her? The hunt is out for her, and you're too late to save her."
The words wrapped around my throat, choking me. They thrummed with a disturbing urgency, sparking my raging hunger. Had I truly dragged her into the dark of my world?
"Dax, what's going on?" Zephara's words cut through, the worry obvious in her tone as she stepped closer. "Do you know him?"
"Yes," I answered curtly, each word filled with fear and anger. "But you don't need to worry."
Just as I opened my mouth to lay out my plan, another disturbing howl pierced the night from outside, echoing dangerously close. The danger was real, and we could be pulled into the fight at any time.
Suddenly, the lights flashed ominously, and the growl echoed through the bar, an alarm that sent chills racing down my spine. The Noctra had found us, adding a steep urgency to the growing chaos; the hunt was just starting.