Luther was still asleep, but I didn't expect him to wake up unless someone was shaking him and screaming, which wasn't going to happen under my watch. The first change is always rough and draining. Cubs would sleep for hours afterward. I had never heard of a wolf changing outside the ritual. I knew it was possible, but it is dangerous to the cub. The ritual exists to protect the child. The parents assist, and the parents' spirit-wolves guide the cub through the change. The ritual keeps the child pain-free and fear-free by ensuring complete safety around them in a moment that makes them extremely vulnerable. Most cubs don't shift as fast as Drake had shifted. I could only gather that he did that out of necessity, but usually, it's much slower. Calliope was going to be sad she missed it but
