Chapter 41 A force to be reconned with
Aloria
The fire crackles softly beside us, its warm glow illuminating the night around us. River’s presence is a steady anchor, grounding me as the shadows of the forest loom. I can feel the residual chill of the river water in my bones, but it’s fading, replaced by the heat radiating from the fire and the comfort of his embrace.
Most of all I am so ecstatic to be with River, and more than anything to truly feel our bond, even if it kinda makes me want to jump him and do inappropriate things, I keep that yearning under control though, for now.
“Are you ready to try again?” River asks, his voice low, filled with an encouraging warmth that sets my heart racing.
“Try what?” I ask, my brow furrowing in confusion, as he pulls me from my thoughts.
“To change,” he replies, a spark of excitement lighting up his eyes. “You still feel it, don't you? The wolf inside you? We can harness that power… you just need a bit of practice to control it.”
I take a deep breath, a mixture of trepidation and thrill coursing through me. The thought of transforming again sends a shiver down my spine, but this time, it feels different. The darkness of my past and the uncertainty that loomed over me earlier fade away, replaced by a pulsing sense of potential, controlling it will give me a new power over myself.
“Yes,” I say, my voice steady. “I want to try.”
River nods, his expression serious yet encouraging. “Close your eyes. Focus on the feeling you had when you first transformed. The rush of power, the freedom. Let it engulf you, Call out your wolf.”
I close my eyes, shutting out the world around me. I let the sound of the river fade, focusing instead on the warmth of the fire and the steady beat of my heart. I can feel the wolf within me, a restless creature yearning to break free.
“Let it rise,” River whispers, his voice a soft caress. “Embrace it.”
I imagine the heat pooling in my core, bubbling up like a tide. I can feel my bones shifting, stretching, reshaping. The world around me flickers, the shadows morphing into something vibrant and alive. My senses heighten… the smell of the earth, the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind, the warmth of the fire contrasting with the cool night air.
I let out a cry, and the sound is no longer human; it’s a growl, deep and primal. I feel my body shift, the change enveloping me like a wave. The earth feels different beneath my paws, the world vast and exhilarating. I open my eyes, looking down to see the sleek, powerful form of my wolf reflected in the glow of the fire.
“River!” I try to call, but it is just a bark, the tone sounds happy and playful. I can feel the power coursing through me, the strength of my wolf echoing in my every fiber.
“You did it!” River’s voice is full of awe, and I can see the admiration in his eyes. “And you have the most beautiful wolf, Aloria… A true Luna wolf.”
I tilt my head, a sense of pride swelling within me. I give a playful growl, the sound rich and full of life. I leap forward, feeling the grace and agility of my new form. The world is so vibrant, so alive, and I want to embrace it all.
“Now, let’s practice control,” River says, his tone serious but filled with excitement. “Try to shift back.”
I concentrate, focusing on the sensation of my body transforming once more. It feels like a dance, a rhythm I’m learning to follow. The power surges within me, and slowly, I feel my form shift and change. The world blurs, and moments later, I’m back in my human body, breathless and exhilarated.
“I did it!” I exclaim, laughter spilling from my lips. The thrill of it all is intoxicating.
River grins, pride shining in his eyes. “You’re a natural, Aloria. With practice, you’ll be able to shift at will in seconds.”
I lean closer to him, warmth flooding my cheeks as I remember the power I just felt. “It feels amazing. I can’t believe I’m finally a real wolf.”
“You’re more than a wolf,” he says softly, brushing a thumb across my cheek. “You’re a force to be reckoned with.”
His words wrap around me like a warm blanket, and I can’t help but giggle. “I like the sound of that.”
I try changing a few more times, but I have to admit it is draining me. River promises that too will lessen with time and practice.
After we sit together beside the fire, the tension of the day slowly melts away as we share a simple meal. Kellan and the others have settled into their own spots, their laughter blending with the crackling firewood. I feel a sense of belonging wash over me, a warmth that fills the empty spaces of my heart, this is my pack.
As the fire dances, I lean against River, letting the exhaustion of the day seep into my bones. “Thank you for believing in me,” I whisper, my voice barely above a breath.
“Of course my love,” he replies, his tone unwavering. “I’ll always be here for you.”
With the fire’s warmth enveloping us, I close my eyes and let sleep take me, knowing that tomorrow we’ll set out on a journey to find my parents. And as I drift into dreams, I can’t help but smile, for I am not just princess Aloria anymore; I have my wolf, and I am a force to be reckoned with.