Chapter 2

In my previous life, when my wolf awakened, it was a beautiful, well-built white wolf with snow-white fur. Now, I had turned into a filthy, frail grey wolf with patchy hair.

Lina finished her transformation in a flash of blinding silver light.

A massive white wolf stood proudly before me. She was twice the size of a normal wolf, her muscles bulging with power, and every strand of white fur radiated overwhelming authority.

Xavier was utterly amazed by Lina's wolf, but when he looked at me, all that remained was deep disappointment.

The white wolf Lina had shifted into let out a howl and suddenly lunged at me. The sheer force knocked me onto the ground instantly. She extended her heavy paw, tipped with sharp claws, and stomped down on my stomach.

At that moment, I felt as if my ribs were about to snap under her weight.

The power that used to be mine was now crushing me without mercy. She was toying with me, using my own strength to crush my pride.

"Lina, stop it!" Xavier shouted.

Lina shifted back into her human form, her bare shoulders trembling slightly. The terrified expression on her face was perfect as she huddled into Xavier's arms, eyes brimming with tears.

"Ella, I'm sorry. I truly didn't mean it," she said. "This power is too strong. It was racing wildly through my body. I even lost consciousness, and my limbs wouldn't obey me at all."

Xavier immediately took off his coat and wrapped it around her, his heart aching. He held her shoulders, comforting her. "Don't rush. Your wolf has just awakened. Take it slow. I'm right here."

He didn't even spare me a glance as I lay slumped on the ground, too weak to stand. It felt as if it were only natural for me, once a powerhouse, to be stripped of everything and left groveling in the dirt.

Xavier shielded Lina in his arms and looked at me with a deep frown. "Ella, don't look at Lina like that. She had no choice.

"Now that your wolf is inside her, you have to teach her how to control this power. Don't let her show any weakness in front of Ryan Miller."

Xavier's entitled, demanding tone made my blood run cold.

Seeing that I refused to give in, a vicious glint flashed in Lina's eyes as she unleashed an oppressive force toward me.

The wolf inside me screamed, urging me to submit. I bit my lip hard, using the pain to resist the humiliating urge to obey.

I would never yield to her.

Lina seemed amused and increased the pressure. "Ella, why won't you obey me? My wolf is stronger than yours now. You should show me some respect."

Xavier finally sensed that something was wrong and called out for her to stop. "Lina!"

Lina pouted in grievance and withdrew the oppressive pressure. "I just wanted Ella to help me get used to it," she muttered.

Xavier sighed, his voice softening. "I know. But Ella just switched wolves with you, so she's weak too. Try to feel it out on your own first. I'll go check on her."

He walked toward me and reached out to help me up. I slapped his hand away and pushed myself off the ground.

My voice was as cold as ice. "I'm fine."

Xavier's hand froze midair, a hint of awkwardness crossing his face. "Ella, stop being difficult. I know you feel wronged, but this is for Lina and for our future. I'll make it up to you once this is all over."

I looked at the face I had loved for two lifetimes and found it utterly unfamiliar.

Our future?

Our future had already been destroyed the moment he turned me into that lowly little grey wolf with his own hands.