Talia's POV
As I stood beneath the moon's luminous gaze, Adhya's presence coursed through my veins like a river of pure energy. Her gentle voice whispered encouragement, urging me to surrender to the transformation.
"Are you prepared, Talia?" Adhya asked, her tone infused with compassion.
With a deep breath, I nodded, embracing the unknown.
The shift began, a symphony of sensations: bones reshaping, muscles stretching, skin tingling. Pain seared through me like a wildfire, threatening to consume my very essence.
I cried out, my voice echoing through the forest.
Adhya's soothing melody calmed my fears.
"Endure, Talia. This birth is worth the pain."
The agony gradually subsided, replaced by an exhilarating sense of freedom.
I stood on four legs, my paws sinking into the earth.
Panting, disoriented, yet alive.
Adhya guided me.
"Behold, Talia."
A nearby lake mirrored my reflection.
I approached, hesitant.
Gasped.
My fur shimmered like moonlit snow.
Silky.
Luxurious.
Eyes blue as a midnight sky.
Unparalleled.
In awe, I gazed upon my transformed self.
A majestic creature.
Not the broken girl.
I thought I was.
Talia, the fragile, had become Talia, the wolf.
Strong.
Resilient.
Breathtaking.
Adhya's whispers echoed.
"You're magnificent, Talia."
Tears of joy.
My reflection showed.
A wolf of legend.
Larger than any.
Stronger than Kael.
Pride swelled.
_FADE OUT_
_Scene Wrap_
The director's voice echoed through the set.
"Cut! That's a wrap!"
I smiled, relieved, and let out a deep sigh.
My makeup artist, Rachel, rushed to my side.
"Time to get you out of character, Dahlia," she said, gently wiping away Talia's makeup and fake scar.
I stood, stretching my tired muscles.
"Thanks, Rachel. You're a lifesaver."
Next, I brushed my hair, transforming from Talia's tangled locks to my own sleek style.
Freedom.
I walked out of the trailer, into the crisp night air.
The studio lights cast an ethereal glow.
I drove home, my mind replaying the day's scenes.
Pulling into my driveway, I saw Ani and Clyde through the window.
Eating dinner.
Laughter.
Warmth.
My heart twisted.
Clyde.
My past.
Our complicated history.
Seven years together.
Ghosted without explanation.
Now, he's my sister's husband.
I pushed aside the lingering emotions.
"Hey, guys!" I called, forcing a cheerful tone.
Ani and Clyde turned.
Smiling.
"Hey, Dahlia!" Ani replied.
Clyde's gaze met mine.
Brief.
Intense.
I looked away.
"How was your day?" Ani asked.
"Long," I said.
"But worth it."
Luna, our neighbor's daughter, chimed in.
"Clyde helped me with my math homework!"
Clyde beamed.
"Proud of you, kiddo."
My jealousy simmered.
Why did it still hurt?
As I ate, Clyde excused himself to drop Luna off and handle some work.
Ani's eyes sparkled.
"Dahlia, I'm so happy. Clyde has been amazing. He's always there for me, listening and supporting me."
I forced a smile.
"That's great, Ani. You deserve it."
My phone buzzed.
Emily's name flashed on the screen.
"Hey, Em," I answered.
"Hey, girl! How's life?" Emily asked.
"Hanging in there," I replied, trying to sound casual.
"Spill the tea," Emily pressed.
I glanced at Ani.
"Not now, Em. I'm with Ani."
"Okay, but soon," Emily insisted.
"Promise."
We exchanged quick pleasantries.
"Love you," Emily said.
"Love you too."
I hung up.
Ani continued gushing about Clyde.
"He's so thoughtful, always surprising me with little gestures."
My stomach twisted.
Clyde's words echoed in my mind:
"I love you, Dahlia."
Why did he say that?
Why did he sleep with me?
Guilt consumed me.