SHAPESHIFTER

PROLOGUE

"Misha," Lisaiah calls me from the opposite side of the lobby. "Misha, are you ready for your assessment? Yezchie is waiting for you."

My heart is racing. My assessment? Now?

"Misha," Lisaiah replies more sternly this time, snapping her fingers to jerk me from my thoughts. "Are you ready to have your assessment? Time is running out."

I gulp. The words can barely squeeze out of my throat. "Y-yes, Lisaiah. I am ready to start m-my assessm-"I start to trail off when Arissa comes bolting out of the training room.

Lisaiah pushes her aside gently. "Arissa," she clenches her jaw. "Misha was just about to begin her assessment. So, why don't you sit here and wait for her to be done."

"Okay!" she plops down on the long red sofa and pats the tops of her thighs with her palms excitedly. "I-I'll wait here. See you later, Meesh!"

Lisaiah pressed her elbow into the middle of my back and scoots me forward. "You too, Arissa," I call back quietly over my shoulder.

"Go like this," Yezchie crouches down in front of me and lifts her chin. Then she hisses, arching her back and stretching her arms until all her fingers are extended like claws. "You have not only to look like the animal, but act like the animal. Or else no one will believe you. Plus, it helps with form and will do so that you shift into your form sooner."

"Yes, Yezchie." I copy her, but when I try to hiss, I cough, falling back with my feet in the air and breaking the position. When I regain my balance and look around, my mentor is nowhere to be seen. "Uh...Yezchie?"

Suddenly I see a furry gray cat, climbing over my legs with slow purrs. "Yes, Misha?"

"When do I actually go out? You know, with Beverly, Tabitha, Heather,...and Wink?" I push my long hair out of my face nervously.

"Soon," she replies, fading back into her normal form and helping me up onto my feet. "Don't you worry, sweetheart. You'll bee out there in no time..."