Lunar Bonds

You're not alone

As consciousness gradually seeped back into Willow, she found herself lying on the forest floor, the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds breaking the silence. A shiver ran through her as she realized she was no longer human—she was a wolf. Panic surged within her, a bewildering mix of fear and disbelief flooding her senses.

Her gaze darted around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. The first thing that caught her attention was a pile of neatly folded clothes resting atop a nearby log. Confusion etched across her wolfish features as she pondered the inexplicable sight. She had always transformed with her clothes, and just assumed it was some sort of magic. Why didn't it work this time?

"Something's not right," Willow thought aloud, her mind a muddle of perplexity.

From the depths of her consciousness, a familiar presence emerged. "Akira, do you know what's going on? Those people chasing me, and the wolves." she called out mentally, seeking solace and answers in the wolf within her.

Akira's voice echoed in her mind, a blend of concern and uncertainty. "Willow, I'm just as confused as you are. I'm having trouble trying to make sense of it. 

Willow's hunger pangs abruptly reminded her of the pressing need for sustenance. With Akira's presence as her guide, she attempted to muster the control needed to shift back into her human form. She concentrated, feeling the peculiar sensation of transformation washing over her. 

But it didn't work. She concentrated harder, thinking about all the little things that made her human. Panicking now, she turned to Akira yet again. 

"Relax, Willow." The wise wolf said to her. "You're tired, and hungry. Try later."

Willow huffed and stood up on, pressing her paws onto the cold ground. It felt strange. She never spent long in her wolf form, always transforming back as soon as the opportunity arrived. Becoming a wolf was hardly a blessing, anyway. More like a curse.

Her stomach twisted again, so she surveyed her surroundings with a newfound sense of urgency. Hunger gnawed at her insides, a persistent reminder of her need for food. With Akira's guidance, she set out in search of food, her senses attuned to the unfamiliar terrain.

The forest revealed itself in new dimensions—scents, sounds, and textures she had never experienced as a human. Every rustle, every distant movement set her instincts on edge, reminding her of the untamed nature of the woods.

Despite her newfound form, foraging proved as challenging as it had been in her human state. Her unfamiliarity with the edible vegetation and her reluctance to take risks left her feeling frustrated and increasingly desperate.

"Willow, try the berries," Akira suggested, his voice a calming presence amidst her mounting agitation.

She eyed a cluster of wild red berries, her uncertainty palpable. "Are these safe? I can't afford to make a mistake," she thought, her voice tinged with apprehension.

Akira reassured her with a sense of cautious encouragement. "Trust your instincts, Willow. We need sustenance."

Summoning her courage, Willow gingerly sampled the berries, their taste unfamiliar yet surprisingly palatable. Relief flooded through her as she realised they were safe to eat. She devoured them with a ravenous hunger, grateful for the meagre sustenance they offered.

As she continued her search for more food, her mind buzzed with questions. "Akira, what's happening to me? Who were those people? Why didn't my clothes transform with me? And why are you as clueless as I am?"

Akira's voice held a tinge of uncertainty. "I wish I had answers, Willow. This is uncharted territory for both of us. We'll figure it out together. I know certain things, such as who you are, and...what you are. Nothing else on the matter."