#werewolf!pero

Isa approached carefully. 

She knew a werewolf when she saw one, and it was clear that this one was badly injured. She knew that could make him more dangerous, that it would be safer for her to wait until he transformed before tending to his wounds. But she also knew, from the state of his blood-matted fur and torn flesh, that he was suffering . And I can help. Her eyes flashed to the creature’s chest, where a circular brand was visible through his shaggy brown fur, and she made her choice. 

Reaching into her skirt pocket, she pulled out a vial of freshly brewed shadowsage oil. The recipe had been passed through generations of witches in her family. It never failed to heal a magical wound, and she hoped it would do the same for the injured wolf that had slipped through her protective wards. 

“I’m not going to hurt you.” She spoke soothingly, kneeling beside the beast. Rasps and whimpers were the wolf’s only reply. Uncorking the vial, Isa poured the oil over the deep gashes, then held her palms above the area as a soft, silver light emanated from them. 

The wounds began to knit, and she felt relief wash over her. It’s working. She continued until all of the slashes had sealed themselves shut, and then she sat back against a tree, waiting for the sun to reveal the man beneath the wolf. 

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With a sharp inhale, Pero’s eyes flew open. 

The woman was the first thing he saw, gentle sunlight filtering through the leaves of the tree she slept under to paint dappled shadows across her face. Blood stained her hands and darkened the fabric of her skirt. The sight immediately brought flashes of the previous night rushing to the forefront of his mind. 

Her calming presence. Her comforting touch. The fact that she wasn’t afraid of him. 

She helped me. He sat up, snatching the cloak she must have left for him and using it to cover himself. Shrugging the garment around his shoulders, he felt a surge of appreciation for the stranger. Why would she do that? 

Seeming to sense that he was awake, she stirred, sitting up against the trunk. Blinking slowly, she took a breath and echoed the same words she’d spoken to the wolf. “I’m not going to hurt you.” 

Part of him wanted to fall to tears at her feet, sweep her into his arms and profess his gratitude for what she’d done. It’d been years since anyone showed him that kind of compassion. That kind of humanity. But a larger part of him was livid with how she’d put herself in danger. Instead of thanks, the first thing out of his mouth was a snarl.  

“But I could have hurt you, easily,” he spat. “You shouldn’t have come so close.” 

Unflinching, she let out a huff. “You weren’t exactly a threat in the shape I found you in.” She lifted one hand and Pero’s eyes widened as her palm began to glow. “Not to me.” Curling her fingers, the light dimmed and went out, but her point had been made.

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