Chapter 8: BALANCING THE WOLF WITHIN

Edeline Shifting always came with a twinge of discomfort at first. My body had to adjust to the realignment of bones and muscles, molding into a different shape. “It’s always a bit painful at first,” I thought, feeling the familiar ache. “But after a few more shifts, it’ll be nothing.” Right after the shift, I lay on the cool grass, feeling the earth beneath me as I gazed out at the world through the eyes of my white fur. Everything felt sharper, more vivid, as if I were seeing it for the first time. But before I could fully take it in, my wolf surged forward without warning, knocking me back in the process. Her energy was wild, almost overwhelming, like a storm barely contained. I could feel her power, restless and eager, threatening to overtake me. I forced myself to stay grounded, to hold onto the center of our shared consciousness, even as she strained against my control. "I can't give her too much freedom," I reminded myself, the thought pressing down on me. "Who knows what she'll