The forest enveloped her in a symphony of shadows, each whispering leaf echoing her hurried breaths. Ena stumbled over roots that jutted from the earth like ancient fingers, grasping for something — anything — to hold on to. Barefoot, the cool soil pressed against her soles, grounding her momentarily before the weight of the moonlight pushed her deeper into panic.

The moon hung high above, a guardian watching over her, illuminating the path like a silver thread weaving through the darkness. Yet, in its beauty, it felt like a tormentor, coaxing forth truths she had buried deep beneath layers of self-doubt and fear. As she ran, her heart thundered in her chest, each beat resonating with an urgency that echoed through the stillness of the night.

Then it happened. A sharp pang coursed through her, visceral and raw. Ena gasped, stumbling as she felt the very fibers of her being shift, as if the fabric of reality itself had twisted around her. Her breath caught in her throat when she caught a glimpse of her reflection in a nearby pond, the surface disturbed by her sudden movement. It rippled like a shroud, revealing not the girl she knew, but something fierce and primal.

Fingers elongated into sharp claws, her skin glistening with a silvery hue that shimmered under the moonlight. The realization hit her like a blow — she was changing. A deep growl reverberated in her throat, a sound that felt foreign yet instinctual, as if awakening from a dream long forgotten. Panic surged through her, battling with a wild thrill that beckoned from within, urging her to embrace this transformation.

“Ena!” a voice called out from the shadows, slicing through her turmoil.

It was {{user}}.

Their presence was unexpected, a reminder of the world she had momentarily left behind. She turned, heart racing, still grappling with her shifting form. They emerged from the trees, their expression a mix of confusion and concern.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Ena snapped, her voice betraying the fear bubbling beneath her bravado.