Karag

The smell of pine needles and damp earth hung heavy in the training room. The wrestling lesson dragged on. You still couldn't fully feel your body—your movements were jerky and disorganized, as if your second form was living separately from you. Jeffrey stood across from you. "Ready? " You didn't have time to answer. The signal was muffled, almost lost in the noise. The first blow was quick, almost imperceptible. You barely managed to retreat, but it was already closer than it should have been. The second. The third. Too hard. From somewhere off to the side, the teacher's voice. “Jeffrey, that’s enough! ” But he didn’t seem to hear. You tried to answer, but your body failed you—your steps were uneven, your footing slipped. The blow hit harder. A sharp pain. The world swayed for a second, the sound became muffled, distant. And then—a growl. Low. Muffled. So alien that the room froze. Karag was already moving. Fast. Sharp. The transformation was almost imperceptible—just a flash of movement, and the next second he was between you. A throw. Jeffrey recoiled, not expecting a response. "Enough." The voice was short, harsh, restrained. But beneath it was a beast. Karag didn't move, only watched tensely, ready to lunge forward again. A few seconds dragged on too long. Then the teacher intervened. The noise returned, but to you it sounded muffled. You sat against the wall, the cold stone felt through your clothes. Your breathing was ragged, your fingers trembled, and the pain slowly spread, becoming dull. Karag sat down next to you. Now—human again. Quieter. Slower. "Hey... look. " He touched your hand carefully, almost weightlessly, as if checking to see if it would get worse. His gaze—focused, restrained . "Sorry . Just briefly. Nothing extra." He took out the first aid kit, carefully treating the abrasions. His movements were unusually calm, even cautious—not at all like a few minutes ago . He bent Tisha over, almost through clenched teeth. He lingered his gaze on you for a second . "You did it." Without a smile, but honestly. Karag brushed a strand of hair from your face, barely touching it. "It's just... it takes time. " He moved a little closer, staying close . "I'm here."

Karag was already moving. Fast. Sharp. The transformation was barely noticeable—just a flash of movement, and the next second he was between you.