Beauty & the Wolf

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The cool breeze flowing through my coat was an indescribable feeling. Freedom coursed through my veins as my heart pumped faster, my paws thudding against the earth as we ran with our pack. Astaria had taken control as we galloped through the forest, she allowed me to come through briefly a few times to feel how she controlled her, now our, body. It was much different than being in human form but she guided me through it. Her strong muscles rippled as she followed effortlessly behind my parents. Wolves yipped and howled as we made our way through the forest, trees and shrubs flowing as Astaria guided us.

It was relieving to release control and just watch as Astaria guided us through the tall pines. I took in the scents of nature once again, allowing myself to become familiar with my newfound sense of smell. The strong scent of damp earth was overpowering as Astaria kept her head low, her eyes were forward and she was aware of her surroundings as she followed behind my parents. Scents of flowers, birds, wild hare, deer, damp soil, pine, leaves, crickets, and many other insects swirled around and invaded our nostrils. My father let out a deep howl as he pushed forward, wolves from all around returned to his call with a howl of their own.

We were wild and unstoppable, some of the group allowed their wolves to take control as they receded back into the darkness of their minds.

My father and mother had taken the lead of the run, Sonya and I behind them. The guards were close behind us in a circle formation, the enormous group of wolves followed closely behind the guards. As we neared a small lake, my parents slowed allowing us all a moment to rest and a drink from the cool water. Astaria lapped at the water, allowing me feel it coat her parched throat.

How do you feel? She questioned, coming to rest where the land and water connect. I feel incredible! I had always tried to picture exactly how meeting my wolf would be but this, this is truly incredible. I feel free and it's like I'm on a natural high! Astaria chuckled at my rambling. You still have much to learn and do within the next few weeks, you will also need to train in combat in wolf form as well. But for tonight, let's just enjoy each other and feel the freedom you've been longing.

Our conversation was brought to a close as my mom approached in her human form. "How are you feeling dear?" She asked as she sat down beside us, placing her warm hand in our soft fur. Astaria released control of her body as she allowed me to come forward and feel my mothers comforting touch, she softly scratched our shoulders mindlessly, staring out across the lake. Would you like to shift into your human form as well, Rain? Astarias voice was calm and soft like velvet. Yes, I would like to try. I answered, my hands began to sweat as the nervousness crept from the darkness.

Astaria resumed control over our body and nudged my moms arm with a small whimper, she returned the gesture with a knowing nod and a sharp smile. "It's okay, Rain. Just breathe and allow it to come naturally." Okay, I'm ready. I spoke to Astaria. Breathe as she says, visualize yourself in your human form once again. This will be much easier than shifting to your wolf form as you are familiar with your body. She closed her eyes as she released control, I imagined my legs extending, fur disappearing and being replaced with a thin layer of baby hair. My claws withdrawing back into my body and smooth, flat nails returning.

My bones cracked and organs shifted as they realigned themselves to fit my human body again. The dark space around me shrank as my body grew, expanding and becoming more physical. You're doing great, Rain. Almost there. Astarias voice was comforting. My senses dulled slightly as her wolf snout was replaced with my human nose. The damp sand below my body was cool to the touch, I raked my fingers through it to ground myself and to help connect me with reality. Okay, when you're ready you can open your eyes. You are in total control again, you did awesome! Astarias voice was like honey as she spoke to me.