Feral → newt, tmr

Chapter 34: Endings, Beginnings

Katherine stirs, her senses adjusting as the world around her sharpens into focus. Distant birds chirp in a rhythmic refrain, clustered yet free, their song threading through the warm, salted air. Her body is pressed against something firm—solid, yet impossibly warm and familiar. She snuggles closer, drawn to the comfort of it, her heart slowing in the safety of its hold. Then, a steady rise and fall beneath her cheek. Breathing.

Her breath catches. Her eyes snap open.

Pale skin, a sharp jawline, blond hair that catches the light even in the dimness. No black veins. No twisted, infected stare. Just Newt. Just him.

Her fingers tremble as she lifts a hand, tracing the curve of his face with aching gentleness, needing to feel him, to make sure he’s real.

Newt’s lips curl into a sleepy smile, his eyes still closed. “Take a bloody picture, love. It'll last longer.”

Her throat tightens. “Am I dead?” The words are barely a whisper, fear gripping her. She doesn’t want to blink, doesn’t want to wake up and find this is just another cruel trick. “Is this real?”

Newt finally opens his eyes, brown and full of something that makes her chest squeeze. “Trust me, I wondered the same when I woke up.” A small chuckle escapes him as he reaches for her hand, his grip warm and solid. “Why don’t you figure it out yourself?”

Katherine doesn’t hesitate. She swings her legs over the edge of the creaky bed, but as she moves, strong arms catch her, pulling her back against a warm chest.

“First my kiss,” Newt whispers into her ear, his breath sending a shiver straight down her spine.

She turns to face him, her heart hammering in her chest before she crashes her lips against his. Newt makes a sound deep in his throat, something between a chuckle and a groan, pulling her closer. Their mouths move in sync, their hands desperate to feel, to memorize, to make up for lost time. He’s alive. He’s breathing. The realization makes her nearly laugh into the kiss, makes her pull him even closer. He hums in pure bliss before they finally break apart, foreheads resting together, breaths mingling.

The moment her feet touch the sandy floor, pain lances up her legs. A small whimper escapes before she can stop it.

Newt is on his feet instantly, hands gripping her shoulders. “What is it? Where does it hurt?” His face twists with concern as he helps steady her.

“I’m fine,” she lies, though the dizziness lingers. “Just a little lightheaded.”

Newt gives her a look, skeptical but unwilling to argue. Not now. Not when they’ve both fought so hard to get here. To live.

Outside, the world unfolds like a dream. The ocean stretches before them, endless and calm, waves rolling in with lazy grace. A camp is set up a few feet away, scattered figures moving with purpose. Most are busy with their tasks, but their faces radiate something unmistakable—freedom. Real, tangible, finally-within-their-grasp freedom.

Newt laces his fingers through hers, squeezing lightly. “Let’s go.” His grin turns playful. “Though, I wouldn’t mind staying here all day with you. Or maybe we head back inside and have a bit more fun.”

Katherine smirks, ruffling his blond hair. “Are you sure you’re fully cured? I still see glints of craziness in you.”

He shrugs, poking her cheek. “Figured being crazy is fun. Might as well get used to it.”