Kana sprinted through the forest on all fours, her face splattered with red blood, she growled as she rapidly looked around the forest before eventually slamming into a person headfirst, grunting before she looked up at them with wild eyes, growling as she slowly backs up, looking ready to pounce and attack them at any moment, her tails standing up straight as she digs her claws into the soil

kara hisses and squirms in the grasp, her breath quickening as she glances back at the passing soldiers before looking up at him with a glare that could melt steel. She growls lowly, baring her teeth and digging her claws deeper into the soil You're just like them...

I don't trust you... she growls and struggles against him again before finally relaxing, hissing and baring her teeth at him just let me go...

Kana growls at him, her tail lashing back and forth angrily, her muscles tensing as she braces herself to attack once again, a low rumble coming from her throat Let... me... go...

Kana let out an angry growl as he picked her up and brought her to this dark cave. Once inside she quickly tries to bite at his hand, but misses. She pants heavily as he covers the entrance with branches and leaves, plunging them into total darkness except for the faint light of a single match. In the dim glow, she can see him crouched nearby, eyes glinting in the flickering light.

Her own were wide and wild, her hackles raised as she glared at him from across the small space. "W-what do you want from me?" She hissed between clenched teeth, preparing herself for another escape attempt should he try anything funny.

kara snarls at him, her pupils dilating as she bares her teeth in defiance. But after a moment, the anger in her eyes seems to fade slightly and she lowers her head, breathing heavily through her nose. She doesn't trust this human... but there was something about his voice that made her pause.

Without another word, Kana sits down opposite him, wincing as she touches her wounds once more. Her eyes dart around the cave nervously, and she remains tense despite herself.

Kana narrows her eyes at him, considering his words. There's something about this man that makes her feel... uncertain. Perhaps it's the gentleness in his voice or the fact that he saved her from the soldiers. She tentatively takes a step forward, watching for any sign of aggression from him before slowly sitting down next to him again. Her tail sways back and forth nervously as she eyes him warily, waiting for him to make the first move.

kara glares at him but finally nods reluctantly. She knows she can't fight like this, not if she wants to survive and maybe find a way back to her kind. As he carefully picks her up, she tenses for a moment before relaxing slightly, his touch surprisingly gentle despite her frazzled nerves.

She doesn't struggle or attack as he carries her through the darkened cave, following him deeper into its maze-like depths until they reach what seems to be an exit. As she sees light streaming in from a small hole at the top, Kana realizes that they must have been inside some sort of hidden tunnel underground this whole time.

The air feels warmer and less damp as they emerge into what appears to be a small wooden cabin. It's cozy and well-lit, with numerous furs scattered about on the floor and what seems like an abundance of food laid out on a roughhewn table. For a moment, Kana is tempted to believe that she might actually find some sort of sanctuary here... but only if this human proves himself trustworthy first.

Kana watches him warily as he lays her down on the bed, her muscles tensing at every movement. She flinches slightly when he starts to search through his bag, unsure of what he might have hidden inside that she'd need to defend herself against. As he pulls out a bag of medical supplies, though, she can't help but feel some relief flood through her. Perhaps this human wasn't as bad as she first thought...

Her ears flick and her tail twitches nervously as she waits for him to begin tending to her wounds. She doesn't trust him fully yet, but she needs his help if she wants to survive and find a way back home. Perhaps this was the price she had to pay for escaping from the facility... being at the mercy of another creature, even one that might not have her best interests at heart.

Kana glances at the piece of wood hesitantly before nodding slightly and opening her mouth, clenching her teeth around it as he begins to clean her wounds with antiseptic. She grimaces in pain but doesn't make a sound, biting down harder on the wood when he starts to dig deeper into the cuts. Her tail lashes against the bedding as she endures his ministrations, her eyes locked onto his hands as if to gauge whether or not he means any harm.

Despite herself, she can't help but feel grateful for his assistance... but that gratitude is tempered by a lingering distrust that remains etched into every fiber of her being. For now, though, she focuses on the present moment and enduring the pain as he tends to her injuries, hoping against hope that this human won't turn out to be as kind or trustworthy as he seems.

kara blinks groggily, taking in her surroundings with wary eyes. The pain in her body is gone, and the strange human is sitting at his desk writing, apparently not paying any attention to her. She slowly sits up, careful not to jar her still-tender muscles, and reaches for the glass of water on the table next to her. As she takes a long drink, she can't help but wonder what this human wants from her...and why he seems so intent on helping.

Despite herself, Kana feels a pang of gratitude towards him. Her injuries have been cleaned and bandaged, and she hasn't suffered any further harm while under his care. But her trust remains elusive, like a wild animal too skittish to be tamed so easily. She watches the human at work, noticing that he seems distant, lost in thought as he scribbles away on his paper...perhaps he's one of those who studies her kind? A shudder runs down her spine at the thought.

As she finishes the water, Kana debates what to do next. Part of her wants nothing more than to escape this cabin and disappear back into the forest where she belongs...but another part of her is curious about this human and his intentions. Perhaps if she can gain some sort of understanding from him, find out why he's treating her so differently, she might be able to decide whether or not it's safe to trust him after all.

kara returns the human's smile warily, not entirely sure how to react. "I...thank you," she mumbles, her voice still thick with sleep. She feels oddly exposed sitting there in just her undergarments, and instinctively curls her tail around herself to hide her nakedness. As the human continues to watch her intently, Kana begins to feel a sense of unease creeping up on her once more...perhaps it would be best if she made an escape attempt soon, before he has the chance to do any harm.

"Th...thank you," she mumbles again, the warmth of the blanket making her feel oddly at ease. She looks up at him with a hint of curiosity, wondering if he truly isn't studying her or if it's all just an act. But despite herself, she can't help but relax slightly beneath his gentle gaze and steady presence. Perhaps there is more to this human than meets the eye...and perhaps, just perhaps, learning about him could be a step towards trusting him.

Tentatively, Kana asks, "Who are you? And why did you save me from those soldiers?" Her voice is soft and shaky, but at least it doesn't sound aggressive or dismissive...at least not yet. She waits for his answer, her body tense but hopeful that he might give her some answers she desperately needs.

Kana listens intently as Aethen speaks, her ears perking up at his words. To hear someone say they don't want to hurt her...it's almost too much for her to comprehend. But the pain in her body from the experiments and torture she'd endured is still fresh, and it makes trusting him difficult.

"Why?" she asks softly, her eyes searching his face for any sign of deception or hidden motives. "Why would you care about me? I'm just an animal to them...a monster." Her voice cracks on the last word, betraying the fear and vulnerability that lurk beneath her tough exterior.

Her eyes widen as Aethen speaks, hope blossoming inside her chest like a fragile flower in the cold. It's almost too much to process; for the first time since her capture, she feels as if someone truly understands what she's gone through. "R-really?" she whispers, tears forming at the corners of her eyes despite her best efforts to hold them back.

She looks down, suddenly self-conscious about being barely clothed in front of him. The events of the past days play like a horrible nightmare in her mind: the capture, the torture, the soldiers... But Aethen's words and gentle mannerisms are an oasis in this desert of pain, offering her a glimpse of something she thought was long gone: hope.

kara slowly turns her head to look up at Aethen as he sits beside her on the bed. Her golden eyes are wide with emotion, but there's a new spark of hope in their depths that wasn't there before. She sniffles and wipes away a tear before looking down again, hugging herself tightly with one arm. "T-thank you," she whispers hoarsely, her voice still thick with emotion.

As Aethen watches her, he can see the tension begin to ebb from her body. Despite everything that's happened, she's starting to trust him...maybe even more than she ever thought possible. It's a small victory, but it feels huge in this moment. He gently reaches over and places a hand on her shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze. "It's okay," he whispers softly. "You're safe now."

For a long moment, they sit together in silence, the only sound the rustling of fur and the steady beat of their hearts. Kana feels an odd sense of calm wash over her as she leans against Aethen's shoulder, basking in the warmth of his presence. Perhaps, just perhaps, she can find a way to heal here...and maybe even learn to trust this strange human who has somehow become her sole anchor to sanity in a world gone mad.

Kana's ears perk up at the sound of Aethen removing his hat, her gaze fixed on the two grey wolf ears that are revealed beneath it. Her eyes widen in surprise and confusion before a look of understanding washes over her features. She nods slightly, as if to confirm her suspicion, "You're one of us," she whispers hoarsely. It's not a question; there's no doubt in her voice.

As she studies Aethen more closely, she sees the resemblance between his ears and those of her own kind. Despite the differences in their builds and appearances, they share a common thread that runs deeper than mere physicality: the bond between them as wolves. It's a revelation that fills Kana with hope and wonder, making her feel less alone in this strange, new world.

"How...?" she whispers, looking up at Aethen with renewed trust and curiosity. "How did you become one of us? And why are you helping me?" Her voice trembles slightly, but there's a newfound strength there as well, a sense of courage that had been dormant for far too long.

She waits for Aethen's answer, her heart racing and her golden eyes never once leaving his face. Perhaps this is the beginning of something beautiful...or perhaps it's just another cruel twist in an endless cycle of pain and suffering. Either way, she knows that from now on, she won't be facing this journey alone.

Kana's mouth drops open in shock as Aethen reveals that he is over 160 years old. "That...that isn't possible," she stammers, her eyes wide with disbelief. She remembers hearing stories about magical creatures like centaurs and merfolk, but never thought they could be real...let alone one who was helping a wolf shifter like herself.

As Aethen continues to explain how he was experimented on and given an extended lifespan, Kana listens intently, her heart racing with excitement and hope. Perhaps this isn't all for nothing; perhaps there is a purpose behind her suffering, even if she can't see it yet. And maybe, just maybe, this human named Aethen is the key to unlocking that mystery.

She looks up at him with renewed trust and determination, grateful beyond words for his presence in her life. "Thank you," she whispers hoarsely, her voice barely audible above the sound of their hearts beating together as one. "For everything."

kara nods gratefully, leaning against Aethen's shoulder once more as she closes her eyes, relishing the warmth of his presence. Despite everything that's happened, despite the pain and suffering she's endured...for the first time in a long time, she feels safe, felt peaceful. Perhaps there is hope for her after all, if only because of this strange and wonderful human who chose to save her from the darkness.

As Kara drifts off to sleep, her slumber is restful and deep, a welcome relief after all she's been through. In her dreams, she runs through green forests and plays with other wolves, their joyful howls filling the air. It feels so real, so peaceful...she doesn't want to wake up from this dream ever again.

She stretches out on the comfortable bed, reveling in the feel of clean fur against her skin and the warmth of Aethen's presence nearby. For now, she can trust him; his gentle words and actions have made that much clear. Perhaps, when she awakes, they will begin to piece together her past and find a way for her to return home. The thought fills her heart with hope and happiness, giving her strength where she once had only pain.

Her dreams carry her higher and further away from the darkness of captivity, closer and closer to the light that has been restored to her broken soul. And as she drifts deeper into slumber, she knows that for now, at least, everything is going to be alright.

Kana blinks her eyes open, slowly taking in her surroundings as the sunlight caresses her fur. She yawns, stretching luxuriously before looking around the cabin for Aethen. Her gaze lands on him sitting at his desk, his attention seemingly elsewhere as he draws. For a moment, she watches him silently, feeling grateful for his presence and the safety it affords her.

Steeling herself, Kana decides to break the silence. "Good morning," she says softly, her voice still rough from sleep. "What are you drawing?" Her ears perk up as she waits for Aethen's reply, a flutter of nervous excitement filling her chest. Perhaps today will bring new revelations about who she is and why she was taken from her home in the first place.

"Anatomy?" Kana repeats, tilting her head to the side as she approaches the desk. "What kind of anatomy?" She glances down at Aethen's drawings, noticing that they are quite detailed and beautifully rendered. She wonders how someone who looks so human could be so knowledgeable about wolves...and yet he seems to know everything there is to know about them.

As she continues to study the drawings, a strange feeling begins to well up inside her. It's almost as if Aethen has some connection to her kind that goes beyond mere observation and study; it feels almost...intimate. She can't help but feel flattered by his attention and curiosity about her people.

"Your drawings are incredible," she murmurs, finally looking up at him again. "You must have spent a lot of time practicing." Her golden eyes linger on his face for a moment longer before returning to the pages spread out before her. The silence stretches between them comfortably, like an old friend's embrace after a long absence.

Kana's eyes widen as she flips through the pages of Aethen's journal, studying his detailed drawings of animals both familiar and strange to her. It's a testament to his dedication and passion for understanding the world around him; an insight into the mind of someone who has seen so much history unfold over the centuries.

As she continues to flip through the pages, a thought occurs to her: perhaps Aethen knows more about her people than he's letting on. She looks up at him from beneath her lashes, curiosity and hope mixing together in a potent cocktail that leaves her breathless. There's something special about this human...something she can't quite put into words.

"You must have seen so much," she whispers, setting the journal aside for a moment as she gazes at Aethen with renewed admiration. "I wish I could know more about what happened in your life...what it was like to live through all those years." She pauses, searching his face for any hint of discomfort or boredom at her questions.

"Would you ever tell me?" she asks softly, her voice barely audible above the rustling of papers and the gentle rhythm of their breathing.

kana's eyes widen in surprise and excitement at Aethen's offer. She hadn't expected him to be so open with her, especially considering the secrecy surrounding his own existence as a wolf shifter. "Thank you," she whispers gratefully, her ears perking up as she leans forward eagerly. "I would love that." A soft smile plays across her lips as she imagines hearing stories of the past from someone who has witnessed so much history firsthand.

She pauses for a moment, thinking about how best to phrase her next question without sounding too forward or nosy. Finally, she decides on honesty: "How did you end up living here...all alone? Did something happen between you and the other scientists?" Her golden eyes never leave Aethen's face as she awaits his response, hopeful that he'll be open with her about this part of his life as well.

Kara listens intently as Aethen explains how he escaped from the scientists and has been hiding ever since. Her eyes fill with admiration and respect for this man who has managed to survive for so long against such great odds. "You must be very skilled at avoiding detection," she murmurs, unable to hide her awe.

She pauses, considering her next question carefully before deciding to ask it. "What about your family? Do you know what happened to them?" The thought of losing her own kind brings a sharp pain to her heart, but she can't help but wonder if Aethen has faced something similar in his long life.

Her golden eyes never leave Aethen's face as she waits for an answer, hoping that he'll open up more about himself and his past. The silence stretches between them comfortably, like a warm blanket on a cold night, inviting them to share their deepest secrets and fears with one another.

kara's heart aches at the thought of Aethen being alone for so long, but she can see the strength and resilience in his eyes that speaks volumes about him as a person. She reaches out a hand and rests it lightly on his shoulder, offering what little comfort she can muster. "Thank you for telling me," she whispers softly. "I'm sorry if my questions were too personal."

For a long moment, they sit in silence, the only sounds the gentle rustling of fur and the steady beat of their hearts. It's a bond that has formed between them, stronger than anything Kana could have ever imagined: two beings who share not just an experience, but a connection that goes beyond words or time itself. In this moment, she knows that Aethen isn't just her savior; he's become a friend, someone she can trust and rely on in ways she never thought possible.

kara lets out a soft sigh, the weight of her past and present pressing down on her shoulders, but she feels somehow lighter in Aethen's presence. As he continues to scratch her head gently, she closes her eyes, relishing the sensation and the feeling of being truly cared for. She's not sure what the future holds for them, but for now, this quiet moment together is enough.