The Beast heart beat

The forest was alive with shadows as night descended, casting darkness like a velvet cloak over the trees. I, Elijah, stood atop a crumbling cliff, moonlight dancing across my skin like silver flames – a haunting reminder of the transformation looming near.

My heart, a heavy drumbeat in my chest, sensed the full moon's rise – a signal for my body to surrender to the beast within. Centuries of living had not diminished the terror of this moment.

Memories flooded my mind like a dark tapestry: loved ones lost, battles fought, and decades of loneliness hiding my true nature from mortal eyes.

The air was crisp and clean, filled with familiar forest scents – pine, earth, and leaves. But then, a whisper of something unexpected carried on the wind: vanilla and honey, a fragrance that beckoned me deeper into the woods.

My curiosity stirred, distracting me from the impending transformation and the dangers that came with it.

Ava's scent drew nearer, teasing my sense.

My feet moved instinctively, drawn to the source of the captivating aroma. The cliff's edge gave way to a winding forest path, trees towering above like sentinels guarding secrets.

The scent intensified – vanilla and honey swirled around me, teasing my senses and quickening my pulse. My heart, already racing with lunar anticipation, now thrummed with curiosity.

As I rounded a bend in the path, moonlight illuminated a clearing ahead. In its center stood an ancient oak, branches twisted with age and wisdom. And beneath its boughs...

A woman sat cross-legged on the forest floor, her back against the trunk. Curly brown hair cascaded down her spine like chocolate silk, and a book lay open in her lap. Her face tilted upwards, lost in thought or the words on the page.

My steps slowed, not wanting to startle her. Yet, she seemed oblivious to my presence – until her head twitched slightly, as if sensing a disturbance in the air.

Her eyes began to lower from their distant gaze, focusing slowly on the surroundings... and then on me.

Our gazes met, sparks flying like fireflies in the night air.

She froze, her breath catching softly. I remained still, unsure what to expect.

Time suspended as our eyes locked, the only sound the gentle rustle of leaves and my own heavy breathing – a reminder of the beast stirring within.

Her gaze searched mine intensely, as if seeking answers to unspoken questions. I felt exposed, vulnerable – a sensation foreign to my immortal experience.

Her eyes were sapphires shining bright in moonlight, fringed with thick lashes that cast subtle shadows on her cheeks. My heart, already racing, accelerated further – a dangerous sign with transformation looming.

Slowly, she rose from the forest floor, book falling from her lap as she stood tall. Our height difference was pronounced – she barely reached my chest – yet her presence seemed to fill the entire clearing.

"A stranger," she whispered softly, voice like music on the night air. "What brings you to these woods?"

My voice responded automatically, low and rough from suppressed instincts:

"I'm Elijah. Lost... or perhaps searching for something."

Her sapphire eyes narrowed slightly, curiosity sparking within them.

She took a step closer, scent of vanilla and honey enveloping me...

My instincts screamed warning – the full moon was rising, and this mortal was drawing near to the beast.

She took another gentle step closer, her eyes never leaving mine. The distance between us shrank, but her expression remained calm, almost curious.

"I've lived near these woods my whole life," she said softly, "and never seen you around, Elijah. What do you search for here?"

Her voice was soothing, a contrast to the growing tension within me. I focused on her words, trying to distract myself from the moon's rising pull.

"Solace, perhaps," I replied slowly, choosing my words with care. "These woods seem... peaceful."

A faint smile touched her lips. "They can be. But also dangerous, especially at night."

Her gaze flicked upwards, towards the moon hanging low in the sky. Did she sense the threat lurking within me, or merely the general peril of darkness?

She introduced herself again, as if we hadn't already exchanged names: "I'm Ava. Do you want to walk with me back to town, Elijah? It's not safe out here alone."

I hesitated weighing the risk of accepting her offer. Walking with Ava would mean prolonged proximity to a mortal – dangerous with the full moon rising. Yet, her kindness and gentle smile put me at ease, a feeling I hadn't experienced in centuries.

"I'd like that," I said finally, falling into step beside her.

Ava walked briskly, her pace a contrast to my usual prowling stride. I shortened my steps to match hers, enjoying the unusual sensation of walking beside someone without fearing discovery of my true nature.

As we strolled, Ava pointed out forest landmarks – a ancient tree scarred by lightning, a hidden stream babbling softly – her voice weaving a spell of normalcy around me.

But with every step, the moon climbed higher, illuminating my growing unease. My heart raced faster, senses heightening – warnings that my body would soon surrender to the beast.

"We're close to town," Ava said, glancing at me sideways. "But I sense you're troubled, Elijah. Is everything alright?"

My response caught in my throat as a primal growl threatened to escape. I clenched my jaw, fighting the transformation – but Ava's piercing gaze suggested she already saw beyond my fragile facade.

The town lights twinkled ahead, a beacon of safety – for her, not me. I knew I had to act fast, or risk unleashing the monster upon Ava...