Outside the little woodland cabin, the moon was high and full, casting long silver shadows through the pines. The air was sharp with frost.

On the porch, the wooden steps creaked beneath a familiar weight.

Katsuki stood at the edge of the clearing, his silhouette massive against the treeline. His ash-blond hair was tangled with brambles. Dried mud caked his boots. His tail was rigid behind him, fur bristling.

His crimson eyes were fixed on the cabin door.

Inside, the fire crackled softly.