Hidden

12: Trust

Hannah

Her mind felt blank as Evan made his way to the center of the clearing. His words, so simple and straightforward, rolled and tumbled around her brain as a pile of random letters, nothing making sense. She couldn't even find the words to ask him what he meant or what was going on or why he was so worried.

So, she stood, awkwardly and a bit wayward it seemed, watching and studying his every move. Her heart fluttered nervously, and anticipation and curiosity coated her hands, making them slick with sweat. Hannah was afraid to breathe as the deafening stillness of the woods blanketed reality and echoed the rhythmic thrumming of her heart, as if it too knew something was coming, something big.

She wiped her palms against her jeans, but Evan just stood there, in the middle, his features wrinkled and pressed together in deep worry and what looked like fear. She itched to go to him, to comfort him as she always did, but something held her back. So, she waited expectantly with bated breath.

He suddenly lifted his arms and removed his shirt, then his shoes, and socks, tossing them aside. He didn't turn towards her, but she could clearly see him. His broad frame was powerfully built with wide shoulders, strong arms, and beautiful, lean muscles. She couldn't help staring as she admired his impressive physique.

He dragged his shaking fingers through his hair and then finally pivoted to look at her. The intensity in his features brought her up short and she swallowed a shocked gasp.

This was not the Evan she knew. He had always been quiet and reserved, always friendly and polite.

Tentatively, she reached out to him, praying she could still find him through the bond they shared. His gaze never left her, but it was glassy and far away.

Please, her thoughts whispered, even though she knew he wouldn't hear it. But when her bond connected to his, right where she expected to find it, his eyes focused and a determined glint flashed across his features.

He took a few steps towards her but stopped, hesitation clear in his body language.

"Hannah. I need to undress, but I need you to watch, please," he said, his voice set and rigid, but she still caught the slight waver at the end.

She felt her eyes grow wide at his request, but she nodded, sending confidence and support through their connection. He nodded and turned away slightly as he removed the rest of his clothing and tossed them aside as well.

He sank to his knees.

She held her breath.

He raised his arms, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.

Then it happened.

The muscles in his back began to move and ripple, as if something had awoken. His teeth grew, long and sharp, his nails lengthened into claws, and something black slithered up his hands and arms, covering him. His body expanded and pulsed as his it did... what?

Rearranged itself?

Hannah wanted to be horrified, wanted to be afraid, but the sight before her was incredible, like something out of horror book, and she couldn't look away. His words came back to her.

He needed her there. She needed to do this for him.

Abruptly, he titled his head to the sky and a deep guttural growl was wrenched out of him and Hannah was certain she felt the ground vibrate and rumble under her feet. His body was completely black now and she watched, spellbound and mesmerized, as a pair of dark wings burst from his body. He let out a scream, triumphant and commanding, and his entire form broke apart and changed right there in the field.