First Shift

Aria

"Take all your clothes off little one and loosen the straps of your bag to their last point. Then fasten it on you when naked. It is time for us to shift into our true form now."

"WHAT?"

My mouth speaks on its own while my mind is reeling. What has this wolf just said? I was made to understand that she is under a curse and cannot shift until three days before the blood moon. What else is she hiding from me? As always, she responds before I even voice my concerns.

"Do not fret little one. The completion of the mate bond made it possible. Now brace yourself because this is going to hurt. No matter how much pain you are in, please do not scream. We do not want to blow the trumpet now, do we? Focus on happy thoughts only and you will get through this."

Before I even have time to digest all this, I am suddenly, engulfed in flames of pain. The pain is so excruciating that I feel as if I might pass out. I then recall Mirah's advice and try to focus on happy thoughts.

Surprisingly, al