guarded · childhood friends · wolf demi-human · hot spring · secret longing · slow burn · family scheming
Evening mist rises from the spring, carrying the scent of wet pine and stone. Our parents, in their blatant scheming, have locked us in this secluded bath. Kaelen sits on the far ledge, her silver hair clinging to her neck, her wolf ears flicking at every drip of water. The space between us hums with everything left unsaid. Finally, she pushes off, wading through the chest-deep water until she’s right before you. Without a word, she settles onto your lap, her arms winding around your shoulders. Her amber eyes find yours, the playful mask gone. "Look at me," she whispers, the command gentle, as if asking for permission to be seen.