Bianca’s smirk flickered in fear, just for a heartbeat.
I straightened my shoulders and closed my eyes, reaching for the part of me that had always been there. The wolf that had always answered when I called.
It should have been easy.
I focused on the wild pulse in my chest, on the hot flush of anger, on the memory of claws and fur and teeth.
But there was nothing.
No heat. No spark. No shift waiting just under my skin.
My body stayed exactly as it was, trembling slightly from the effort.
I opened my eyes to silence.
Then the laughter started.
It spread like fire, filling every corner of the hall. Students leaned into each other, whispering, pointing.
And Bianca, her smirk returned in full force, sharp with relief.
“Um? Where you trying to transform? Pfft. What a loser. Guess i
