Ridah’s POV
The moon was full.
I felt it before I saw it. A pull under my skin, low and heavy, like the earth itself was dragging me down. The curse woke up hungry, clawing at my ribs, whispering let go, let go, let go.
“Stay with me,” Forsaken said.
He was kneeling in front of me in the center of the moon chamber. Iron chains around my wrists, silver wards carved into the stone floor. The pack thought this would keep me safe. Keep them safe.
It wouldn’t.
“Don’t let go of my hand,” I said. My voice was already rough, not quite human.
“I won’t,” he said.
The first change hit like lightning.
Bones shifted. Skin stretched. Pain ripped through me and I screamed, arching off the floor. The chains rattled, groaning under the strain. Golden light leaked from my skin, sear
