Axel stands by the window the entire time, frozen in place, thoughts scattered and chaotic, as if even the slightest movement might unleash the mystery of his own existence and crush him beneath its weight.
It feels as if shifting just an inch would send every thought in his head spiraling completely out of control, pushing him beyond the edge of reason.
He watches silently as the day dies, letting the darkness consume the world. The moon rises slowly, deliberately... a full moon, cold and bright, and something deep inside him stirs at the sight.
A shiver runs through his body, both from the night air and from that inexplicable pull that seems to tighten its grip on his very soul.
He clamps his hands over his ears, eyes squeezed shut, when animal howls sound in his ears again.. too loud.. so loud it's as if the creatures are right beside him, clawing at the edge of his sanity.
This is the first time he's hearing them this clearly, yet somehow it feels painfully familiar.
