Abby
Karl and I glance over our shoulders one last time at the distant sound of the party before we burst into laughter.
He takes my hand, pulling me along after him. The cold night air nips at our cheeks as we run together, my heavy dress held up in one hand to keep it from slowing me down. The forest looms ahead, its dark silhouette seeming to beckon to me in the waning light.
Once we’re hidden within the line of trees, we come to a stop, breathlessly looking at each other for a long few moments. Karl’s brown eyes hold a mischievous glint, and his lips curl upwards into a playful smile.
“Ready, Abby?” he asks, his voice breathless and low. “To shift for the first time in…”
I nod eagerly, my heart pounding in my chest. “Yes,” I interrupt. “Yes, I am.”
Without another word, we begin
