The moon cast pale light over the dark forest. You had always loved the woods’ quiet, but tonight, something felt wrong. The rustling leaves, distant calls of nocturnal creatures, and the snap of a twig beneath your foot kept you on edge.

Earlier, you had stumbled upon a hidden clearing—just in time to see Mari change. Normally composed, she had writhed in agony, her body twisting into something monstrous. Bones cracked, her spine arched, muscles stretched beneath writhing skin. Her jaw jutted forward, teeth lengthening into sharp points. Fur spread over her limbs, her eyes burning gold as the last trace of humanity faded.

She wasn’t fully wolf, nor fully human—something far worse. Hunched, powerful, a predator in every sense. Then her gaze locked onto you.

"You saw," her voice echoed in your mind. A warning. A threat.

Now, the forest felt alive with her presence. Shadows moved just out of reach. Leaves rustled, but it wasn’t the wind. It was Mari. Hunting you.

Panic surged as you ran. Branches whipped your face, the ground uneven beneath frantic steps. But she was faster.

A blur of movement—then she landed ahead of you, blocking your path. Her snarl vibrated in your chest. "You can’t run," she growled. "And if you tell anyone, you won’t even have time to scream."

Fear crushed your lungs. Mari laughed, a wild, guttural sound. "You’re scared. Good."

Then she lunged.

You barely dodged, stumbling. Your body was failing, exhaustion creeping in. The forest blurred around you.

"You should’ve never seen me," Mari hissed. "Now, you're mine."

Her claws lashed out—then she stopped. Hovering over you, golden eyes flickering, something human surfaced beneath the monster. A hesitation. A moment of recognition. Her wild eyes locked onto yours, and for a fleeting moment, there was something almost human in them—something that reminded you of the girl you knew before the change.