Henrietta gradually opened her eyes. Her world became sharper and brighter, but not overwhelming. Her gaze was higher now, her body taller, stronger as she towered over Gideon and Kael. She lifted her head toward the blue moon and released a howl, loud and clear, echoing through the pack and forest.
The sound carried far.
It wasn't a cry of pain. Nor a rage.
It was release.
When the howl faded, she drew in a deep breath through her muzzle. Scents flooded her senses—earth, pine, night air, and beneath it all, Gideon.
Her body felt... right.
No burning. No tearing panic. No loss of control.
In her earlier shifts, the wolf had forced its way out, driven by fear, anger, and survival. She had fought it every time, terrified of what would happen if she let go.
Tonight, there had been n
