The forest was darker than I remembered.
Or maybe… I was different.
My feet moved quickly over the rough ground, branches scratching against my skin, but I didn't feel it. The pain inside me was louder than anything else.
Rejected.
The word echoed in my mind like a curse.
I stopped running.
My chest heaved as I bent forward, gripping my knees. Something wasn't right.
My body felt… strange.
Hot.
Too hot.
A sharp pain suddenly shot through me, forcing a scream from my lips. I collapsed to the ground, clutching my stomach as my wolf surged violently inside me.
"No… not now…" I gasped.
But it wasn't a normal shift.
It was stronger. Wilder
My bones cracked as the transformation took over, faster than anything I had ever experienced. When it ended, I stood on four legs, my breathing heavy.
But something felt different.
I looked down.
My fur… wasn't the usual shade.
It shimmered faintly under the moonlight—silver, almost glowing.
A low growl escaped my throat, deeper, more powerful than before.
"What are you…?" a voice suddenly said.
I turned sharply.
An old man stood at the edge of the trees, his eyes wide—not with fear, but recognition.
Elder Rowan.
"You shouldn't be here," I growled, though even my own voice sounded unfamiliar.
He stepped closer slowly, studying me.
"I was right," he murmured. "It has awakened."
My heart pounded.
"What are you talking about?"
He looked directly into my eyes.
"You are not just any wolf, Lyla," he said quietly.
"You are something far more dangerous."