Moonlit Valor

One With Her Wolf

An incredible pain, like fire ripping through her body, overpowers Anna. She falls to the ground, crying out as her skin and muscles tear to shreds from her bones which c***k and break. Since birth, Anna has always been in pain, her leg a constant reminder of just how weak she is. But this pain is different. As if her blood was turning to magma, an inferno fills her, her nerve endings screaming in death. She notices how her bones reshape, changing into another form, her body becoming stronger, larger, and more fierce. She feels her muscles reweaving and heavy fur covering her, keeping her warm. Throughout her change, she can hear other screams from her pack as everyone changes. But by the time she feels her shift ending, there is only silence. Anna remains on the ground, breathing heavily, but feeling much better than before. Much better than she ever had. She was no longer in pain of any sort. Cautiously, she opens her eyes and immediately takes in her new and improved vision. Everything is in incredible detail, from the leaves on the trees to the moles digging in the ground. Standing up on all four legs, she takes in the feeling of her new body, the way that all her legs are able to carry her weight, paws spread strongly on the ground.

Feeling someone watching her, she turns to see that Alpha Victor, still in his human form, is carefully observing her. He nods his head to her and then turns, walking away from the historical stone foundations. Now fully alone, Anna can no longer hold back the wave of emotions at her successful shift and her body quivers with feeling.

Never doubt a wolf spirit, little one, for we draw our strength from the Moon Goddess herself, her wolf whispers in their mind.

Anna quickly thinks back in earnest, I’m so sorry that I ever doubted.

She nods their head and then begins to prance with excitement, We can talk more later, but for now, let us enjoy our freedom. With that, they sprint off into the woods, running faster than Anna could have ever imagined. They do not seem to tire as they chase the countless scents that they are easily met with. They continue to run through the trees and immediately start to encounter some of the other newly-shifted wolves. Everyone seems completely elated as they leap through the woods, chasing squirrels, running down rabbits, and romping with their companions. Anna notices not only so many smells but countless sounds of all the animals, werewolves, and life around her. There are so many that she has a hard time identifying all of them which is similar to the trouble she was having with all the smells.

What is your name? Anna thinks quickly, realizing that in the excitement of everything, she had forgotten to ask.

I am Ulrika, the wolf soul responds calmly. They continue to run around, deciding to chase some birds nearly all the way up the tree. This causes Anna to feel some surprise, but she can not even be upset as she is so happy with their abilities and how her own handicap does not affect her wolf. After running around for a while longer, they follow the moonlight to get closer back to their pack and that is when they notice it, the most wonderful smell they have ever known. Like the scent of dandelions and pine cones mixing with an unending warmth. Mate, Ulrika thinks, much to Anna’s shock. They scan the group of numerous werewolves, looking for the one. Who could it be? But then a large wolf turns to look directly at them. Mate.

He heads over to them, with a bit of urgency and yet, some casualness too. As if he has all the time in the world, but there is no place that he would rather be. Anna observes his very dark fur. It is nearly black, but spots of silver envelop it, like stars in the night sky. His bright silver eyes never leave their own. It is then that Anna wonders about her own wolf’s coat, as she had not taken time to even notice. But that can wait until later. Their mate meets them and immediately the two wolves press their heads against each other, rubbing warmly as if they have known each other all their lives. Ulrika soars with excitement and they playful nudge at their mate. Soon the two wolves begin to romp through the woods by themselves. Carefree, they chase after one another, nipping at each other’s heels. They tumble and cuddle, completely absorbed with each other. They draw close to one of the main lakes that is near the border of their pack. They lap at the water greedily. It is then that Anna is able to get a good look at her wolf. Ulrika is sparkling white, not another color anywhere in sight other than her deep blue eyes. Ulrkia wells up with pride at Anna’s appreciation of her color.

Now that their thirst has been quenched, they both lay down to enjoy each other’s company in silence. Anna knows that the evening will be coming to an end soon. All the werewolves will return to the stone clearing and make their first painful shift back to their human form. They will carry on with their lives, leaving behind this wonderfully enchanting night. Instead of standing and preparing for what will likely be an excruciating shift back to her disabled self, Anna continues to enjoy the moment with her mate.

A sudden shock fills Anna’s heart. Her mate. What will he think of her disability? Will he still want her as his own even though her human self is not even close to as amazing as her wolf? Will he reject her? Anxiety fills her and Ulrika begins to feel its effects. Little one, you must calm down.

I can’t calm down! Anna replies with panic. He isn’t going to want us, and it’s all because of me. Her emotions begin to affect them and with a new restlessness, they stand up. Their mate notices the change and rises also, with concern. His silver eyes remain on them, trying to understand. Their mate makes a motion for them to head back to the clearing when he suddenly freezes as if hearing something strange. It takes Ulrika only a second longer to realize that something is wrong just as aggressive rogue howls begin to fill the night air, the sounds closing in on the pack border just a few feet from where they stood.