In a circle of shadow she kneels, bare skin to the cold, eyes locked on the beast.

His teeth drip hunger. Her hands hold pulse. A heart, strong enough to command the dark.

Is it a gift? A leash? A dare? A treat? How could she fear him? He would never harm her.

He sits, more dog than wolf, starving for the slightest touch, the smallest drop of love, through the long, black night. And he waits, patient in his silence, aching for her hand, her warmth, the mercy of her heart. two creatures bound

sharing the same hunger.

Longing.

That this be real.

That this has never been

less than a love shared.