Shadows in Moonlight

Clearing her throat, she smiled expectantly.

"Oh, my apologies, girls!" Alpha Oliver said. "Let me introduce you. King James, Prince Edmond, these are Beta Ethan's daughters, Eleanor and Ava."

We curtsied to the two men as they looked us over.

"Happy birthday," King James said. "It's a pleasure to meet you both."

That's when I felt it - a faint, indescribable sensation. I glanced up at the prince and found him staring at me once again. Jayden, noticing, stepped in front of him and began speaking. Eleanor and I excused ourselves and returned to the dance floor. As we danced, I couldn't shake the feeling that the prince's eyes were still on me. I wasn't sure what to make of it, but it was a strange and unsettling sensation. Despite this, I continued to enjoy the rest of the party with my sister and our friends, grateful for the love and support of our pack.

...

"Alright, everyone! It's time!" my mother announced with enthusiasm. "It's the moment our new wolves have been waiting for. Men, you will gather in the northern gardens, while ladies, we're heading to the southern gardens."

I observed as Jayden entered through the front doors, joining Alpha Oliver, the king, and the other high-ranking men.

"Come on, weirdo," Eleanor urged, seizing my hand and leading me toward the patio doors that opened into our flower garden. "Oh, wait a second!"

Eleanor glanced around the room, her eyes landing on Sebastian. She smiled and waved at him.

"I just want to say goodbye real quick," she explained.

"We'll be right back," I chuckled.

"I know. But I'll be returning as a woman," she giggled.

I watched as she skipped across the room and into Sebastian's arms. He spun her around, kissing her passionately. She whispered something in his ear, and a grin stretched across his face.

Eleanor hurried back to my side as we walked to the center of the circle formed by the ladies. I reached out for my sister's hands and held them tightly.

The moonflowers that adorned the garden were in full bloom as we took our positions.

Our mother approached us, wearing a hopeful smile. "Alright, girls. It's time. The moon is nearly at its zenith. Benjamin herself is watching over you both. The first shift may sting a bit, but don't worry about it. It's just your body adapting to the change. I love you both, and I am immensely proud of you!"

"Thanks, Mom," I said softly, hugging her.

"Love you, Mom," Eleanor chimed in, joining the embrace.

"Together?" I asked.

"Always," she replied.

A tingling sensation began in my toes and fingertips, swiftly spreading throughout my entire body. I watched as Eleanor's body sprouted long, blonde fur. Her facial features contorted as her nose vanished, replaced by a snout. Glistening fangs caught the moonlight as her grip on me weakened. Glancing down, I saw that both of our hands had transformed into paws.

A searing pain surged from deep within me. I felt as though my body might ignite into flames. The agony seemed to emanate from my bones, accompanied by a nauseating crunch and snap, forcing me to my knees. A scream escaped my lips as the moon shone brighter and brighter, its brilliance enveloping me until I saw nothing else.

Just as suddenly as the pain began, it ceased. However, I was no longer in the circle, nor on my family's grounds. It was emptiness, a complete void.

"Dear child."

I looked around as best I could with my wolf-like neck.

"Do not be afraid. I have waited for this day for a long time."

Who's there?

A magnificent young woman materialized before me, surrounded by the radiance of the moon.

Who is that?

"I am Benjamin. Goddess of the moon. Goddess of the woodlands. And your mother."

You can hear me? I thought in my mind.

"Of course, my beloved daughter."

Daughter? What do you mean?

"You are my child, a wolf born under the light of the full moon. It is your destiny to protect the balance of nature, defend the weak, and uphold the ancient ways."

"But how? I don't know anything about being a wolf."

"You will learn. You possess strength and courage, and you have the love and support of your mate. I will always be with you, guiding you on your journey."

"I still don't understand. Why is this happening?" Panic began to grip me. This was too much, too unreal.

"Eighteen years ago, when your earthly mother was pregnant with your earthly sister, I used her body as a vessel to give physical form to myself. You."

"Wait. What?"