Chapter Three

In that exact moment, a surge of intense and agonizing sensation courses through the entirety of my being, originating from multiple angles, compelling me to release a piercing scream as the torment engulfs me. It feels as though countless fiery needles are piercing my skin, searing through my veins, and tearing at my muscles. The pain is unbearable, consuming every inch of my existence, leaving no respite.

As the agony escalates, the resounding noise of my bones fracturing fills my senses, resembling the delicate snap of twigs succumbing to immense strain. This auditory symphony of devastation reverberates within my ears, amplifying the intensity of the torment. Astonishingly, my shattered bones swiftly knit themselves back together, defying the laws of nature. It is as if they are trapped in an eternal loop of annihilation and rebirth, perpetually subjected to excruciating repetition, with each occurrence surpassing the previous one in terms of sheer anguish.

My body is seized by uncontrollable convulsions, causing my muscles to spasm and contort in inexplicable ways. It seems as if my very core is being torn apart, with each passing moment stripping away fragments of my humanity. The transformation is unrelenting, showing no signs of relenting, and I find myself completely powerless to impede its relentless advance.

In a sudden and profound stillness, the torment starts to fade away. I take a deep breath, feeling the comforting relief wash over me. Slowly, I open my eyes and find myself immersed in a thoroughly different reality. The colors around me burst with a renewed intensity, the fragrances in the air become more captivating, and it feels as if the very essence of life pulsates with an exhilarating electricity that I have never encountered until now.

My once familiar hands are now transformed into a set of formidable paws as I gaze downwards. The sensation of touch has altered, replaced by the strength and agility that these powerful limbs possess. A magnificent white fur envelops my entire being, radiating a mesmerizing glow as it catches the sun's rays. In this moment, I am no longer bound by the limitations of humanity, for I have embraced the majestic form of a wolf, embodying grace and power in every fiber of my being.

As I finally arrive at the tranquil lake, I decide to take a momentary break from my arduous journey and quench my thirst. However, just as I am about to indulge in the refreshing water, I am suddenly jolted backwards by an unseen force, catching me completely off guard. The reason behind this unexpected interruption is not solely because of my rare and distinctive status as a magnificent white wolf, but also because of my awe-inspiring size, surpassing that of any other wolf I have ever encountered.

In an instant, a surge of exhilaration courses through my veins, erasing any traces of weariness that had previously plagued me. It is as if a dormant energy within me has been awakened, stirring a primal instinct that resonates deep within my very core. I seamlessly blend into the untamed wilderness, embodying the true essence of a woodland creature, liberated from the constraints of civilization and boundless in my freedom.

Embracing a newfound elegance, I propel myself forward, my agile paws gracefully connecting with the earth in a harmonious rhythm. As the wind sweeps through my fur, it carries the enchanting aroma of the lush forest, enveloping me in a profound feeling of unity. In this moment, I am consumed by an indescribable sense of belonging, for I have become one with the untamed wilderness, forever altered by the profound metamorphosis I have undergone.

“Greetings, Sable! I'm Zena, and it's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. However, it's imperative that we keep our connection a secret, as it could lead to complications if anyone were to discover our true nature.” Lily explains to me while I am still trying to process the fact that I have shifted prematurely.

“Hello, Zena! I'm intrigued to know, what is the motive behind our necessity to hide?” I have been eagerly anticipating your arrival for a considerable duration, I question with genuine curiosity.

“In due time, you will come to understand why we stand apart from the rest of the wolf pack,” Zena explains as we seamlessly transition back into our human form.

In a rush to get dressed, I hastily snatch any clothing items within reach from my backpack, anticipating the possibility of unexpected changes in our plans. Filled with concern about potential consequences, I hurriedly make my way back home. However, the moment I step through the door, I am greeted by the sight of my mom and sister eagerly awaiting my return, causing an immediate surge of tension to course through my body.

“Have you shifted yet?” my mother asks, to which I shake my head in response, indicating that I haven't. Unexpectedly, she begins to shout at me, criticizing me for being worthless. However, I'm confused because I've always thought that the shift occurred at the age of eighteen, not sixteen. Although I'm not surprised by my lack of knowledge, as I've never been able to join the pack's runs or gatherings.

“Mom, things have taken a turn for the worse,” my sister Nichole laments. “During school today, she was hosting a full-blown pity party and making shameless attempts to allure my boyfriend.”

“She did what?” My mother's voice echoes through the room, filled with anger and resentment, as she locks her gaze onto me. Without warning, her hand swiftly rises and strikes my face with such force that I am sent sprawling to the ground, tears streaming down my face. Clutching my throbbing cheek, I attempt to utter a word, but my mother denies me the opportunity, relentlessly assaulting me with a barrage of hits and kicks.

“You have the audacity to attempt to steal your sister's boyfriend? You don't even deserve to have a boyfriend, let alone a mate,” my mother shouts angrily, her words laced with disappointment and anger. 

The excruciating pain that courses through my body is relentless, unyielding, and all-consuming. It engulfs me, leaving me gasping for air, my lungs struggling to fill with each breath. The sheer intensity of the agony is overwhelming, as if a fiery inferno has been ignited within me, scorching every nerve ending and leaving me on the brink of collapse. In this moment, I am desperate for any respite, any escape from the torment that has become my reality. 

With each blow, the force behind her strikes seems to multiply, as if she draws her power from some unknown source. The pain is so intense that it blurs my vision, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and the nightmare that has become my existence. My body trembles under the weight of her assault, my muscles quivering with each impact. The agony is so profound that it feels as if my very essence is being shattered, leaving me fragmented and broken.

“Please stop!” I desperately plead, my voice trembling with fear and pain. But she persists, relentlessly delivering blows and kicks that leave me disoriented and my vision blurred.

“Mom, I want to clarify that I never engaged in any flirtatious behavior with her boyfriend,” I earnestly plead, hoping to convey my innocence and dispel any misunderstandings.

“Never address me as 'mom' again, you wretched creature,” Mom's voice reverberates through the room as her foot connects with my head, plunging me into a world of darkness.