Stuck with the enemy

Chapter 3: First Time Shifting

The stars were out, glimmering in a night sky filled with anticipation. Alya, Aras, and I prepared in near silence, each of us holding our thoughts. My heart raced with excitement, tinged with the anxiety of what was to come. In a half-hour, we'd set off to begin the most important night of my life-my first shift. I stood before the mirror, smoothing the white silk dress that hugged me in a gentle embrace. It had belonged to my mother, and tonight, wearing it made me feel as if a part of her would be with me during this moment.

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We kept our movements quiet, darting through the silent streets, Alya leading the way with Aras close by. The city center felt different at night, the vast square illuminated by soft lights, casting a serene yet powerful atmosphere. This was where every important pack ceremony was held, and tonight, even if unofficially, it was going to be mine.

We paused just outside the main square as the final patrol passed by. Alya glanced around, giving a quick nod of approval.

"Alright, coast is clear," she whispered. "You have fifteen minutes, maybe a little more."

I took a steadying breath. This was it.

Aras squeezed my shoulder, giving me a reassuring smile. "Ready?"

"More than ever." I stepped into the center, feeling my heart pound harder with each step. The air felt charged, as if even the universe knew what was about to happen.

The pull inside me grew, a deep sensation building from my core. I felt Derya, my wolf, stirring eagerly within. There was a faint whisper in my mind-Derya's voice-assuring me she was there, waiting to meet me halfway.

"Are you ready?" Derya's calm voice echoed in my mind, grounding me.

"Yes," I replied, the rush of anticipation filling me. "Will it hurt badly?"

"The first shift always does," she said, her tone soft, "but remember, it's worth every moment."

My body began to warm, my heartbeat quickening as the transformation took hold. A jolt of pain rippled through me, coursing through my limbs and spine, bringing tears to my eyes. I held on, fighting the instinct to cry out. I felt bones shifting, reshaping, and the sensation was as surreal as it was agonizing. The world around me blurred, the pain throbbing until I felt like I would break-and then, just as suddenly, it stopped. A rush of energy surged through me, and then I was changing, my vision sharpening, my senses heightening. In a moment of pure clarity, I felt Derya fully come alive.

The silence after the storm was overwhelming.

And just like that, I stood transformed. Every sense, every instinct, was heightened. My paws-my paws-were now in front of me, covered in a white, soft fur that shimmered in the moonlight. I was a white wolf, with a coat so luminous it seemed to glow. Pride welled up inside me, and I felt Derya's spirit with me, strong and calm. I felt powerful, connected. Derya was part of me now, her strength flowing into mine as if we'd been waiting our whole lives for this moment.

A triumphant howl escaped me, echoing into the night, and from the shadows, I heard a second one-Aras, joining in his wolf form. I knew he was proud, his joy as real as mine. Alya clapped softly from the sidelines, her eyes wide with awe.

I shifted back, exhilarated and breathless. The second transformation was easier, less painful but still intense, like stretching muscles that had been dormant for years. "That was... incredible," I managed, still catching my breath.

Aras grinned. "Welcome to the pack, Deniz. And happy birthday."

I laughed, my entire body humming with a newfound power. But our celebration was short-lived. Just then, a sound cut through the quiet-footsteps approaching. Alya's eyes went wide.

"Patrol," she whispered urgently. "They're early!"

Without thinking, we darted toward the nearest alley, trying to blend into the shadows. My pulse raced, and I held my breath as the patrol guards passed just a few feet from us. They glanced around, muttering something about hearing a howl, but after a moment, they continued on.

As soon as they were out of earshot, we exchanged relieved glances. Alya let out a soft laugh. "See? Just like I told you. We're good."

Aras rolled his eyes but smiled, giving her a light nudge. "Alright, alright. You were right this time."

We slipped back toward the outskirts, excitement still buzzing between us. As we reached the edge of the center, I turned back, feeling an odd connection to this place. I'd done it. I was no longer just the girl on the outskirts-I was a part of something bigger.

With a final look, we headed home. I'd gotten my transformation, my bond with Derya was complete, and in that moment, it felt like everything was possible.

Once on front of our house, Alya whipped out a bottle of champagne with a mischievous grin.
"I promised you a celebration!" she exclaimed, popping the bottle, the cork flying into the night. We all laughed, the tension dissolving into joy.

The three of us toasted under the stars, each sip of champagne a reminder of friendship and loyalty. Aras pulled me into a hug. "Happy birthday, princess. You did it."

Alya joined, wrapping her arms around us both. "To the best friends anyone could ask for!"

I suddenly remembered the cake, and my heart sank. But Aras only chuckled, leading me inside. There it was on the kitchen table-a beautiful birthday cake, waiting for us.

Later, as Alya left, she hugged me tightly. "Deniz, remember, I'm always here. Through everything."

I returned the embrace. "And you're like the sister I never had."

But as I lay in bed that night, feeling Derya's comforting presence, I couldn't shake the sense that this was just the beginning.