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When we recover, I clean her up, we put our clothes on and set off to exit the forest. Along the way, I feel a creeping sense of dread. Celeste notices my tension, and any sound or gust of wind makes her flinch.
The crack of a branch sounds behind us. A low, guttural growl emanates from the bushes. I turn and see a large wolf-like creature emerge from the shadows and fix it's piercing yellow eyes on me.
The creature begins slinking toward us, with its fur bristling and teeth bared. This is not a normal earth-bound animal but something else. Something I don’t understand.
Without thinking, I step forward to shield her, my arm gripping hers tightly. “Stay behind me,” I say in a low tone.
I need to get Celeste somewhere safe before it attacks. I back away with measured steps, making myself appear larger to deter it, but the creature lunges at lightning speed. Instinct overtakes, and I narrowly avoid it, feeling the wind rush through my hair as I push my body to its limits.
I take Celeste's hand and swing her onto my back.
“Hang on tight!” I call back to her as we climb the nearest tree, with the creature circling beneath us. When we get to a branch high enough, I help her down and make sure she is safe.
“Where are you going?” she asks nervously.
“Just stay here for me,” I reply. “And whatever you do, don't look. I'll be back soon.”
“Be careful.” Her smile lights up my world. I will do anything for her. Wishing we weren't in this situation is pointless. The only thing I can do now is lure it away from Celeste.
I take a deep breath, leap out of the tree, and land on my feet before the creature. It snarls, baring its sharp teeth. Its energy is building as it prepares before launching another attack.
I duck and roll away, firmly kicking it in the side as I pass by. The creature scrambles back on its feet in a heartbeat, readying for another attack.
Something powerful and primal takes control, settling in my muscles and infusing me with unstoppable energy. Energy coils like a tightly wound spring. A deep rumble shakes my bones as an internal engine revs to life within me like a wild beast being set free from its cage.
With a sudden jolt, everything snaps into place. Nothing will stop me now. I run, and the creature chases me. I run faster, knowing I can't maintain this pace for long without triggering a more significant threat—berserker mode. And that's what I want.
Shedding my clothes as I go, I run faster and faster until I feel my bones snap, tissues, and sinews stretch and pop and groan as my beastly transformation occurs.
I pivot and face the creature head-on. We circle each other, both waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. The beast snarls, exposing its sharp teeth. I bare my teeth and unleash a fierce growl in return.
Suddenly, I see my opening. I dart forward and grab the creature's fur, using its weight against it as I swing it overhead and crash it onto the ground. It doesn't take long to defeat the enemy. It's not a fair fight, so I put it out of it's misery as quickly as possible and return to Celeste.
Celeste's eyes widen with surprise when I find her where I left her—sitting astride a tree branch, safe from harm.
“Your clothes,” she says, gazing at my naked body.
“They're torn and messed up, and I left them under the tree.” I hold out a hand and help her climb onto my back before scrambling down the tree to safety.
When her feet touch the ground, she watches in awe as I try to put on the shreds of my clothing before leaving the forest.
“You're magnificent,” she whispers, her hand reaching out to touch the side of my face. “I've always known that you were special.”
“I'm not afraid of showing who I truly am. I'm no longer ashamed of my strength or power, and that's all thanks to you,” I confess to Celeste.
Celeste gazes at me, her eyes shimmering with compassion. She understands my fear of showing who I truly am.
“It's who you are, Atlas. Your true form makes you powerful and intimidating.”
“I don't want to be a monster—I couldn't live with myself if I hurt you.”
Celeste reaches out and gently clasps my hand. “You're a remarkable man with unique gifts to embrace and be proud of. Embrace your strength. Own it, Atlas.”
I feel a surge of emotion welling inside me, a deep gratitude for this woman who loves me for who I am. I lean towards her, pressing my forehead gently against hers.
“Thank you for seeing me, Celeste,” I murmur, my lips just inches away from hers. “You see the best in me.”
