Amber Silverblood

Chapter One

I woke up with the taste of fresh deer in my mouth.

Lying naked in the middle of the forest might seem like a weird way to wake up to you, but I think I’m actually getting used to it. Leaves and mud matted my long auburn hair as I stood up, taking stock of my surroundings. I couldn’t recognize anything from here, but that didn’t mean much. My house could be anywhere from fifty feet to five miles away- at the very least.

I shivered as a cold wind blew between the trees, forming goosebumps on my naked flesh. It was early November, and the seasons were already beginning to change. It wouldn’t be long before I started waking up like this in the snow. I shivered just from the thought.

As I stood there, trying to get my bearings, I heard the low rumble of a car engine from behind me. The land sloped upwards for about thirty feet in that direction, and there was a road at the top. It was unlikely that anyone would happen to look down and see the naked seventeen year old girl standing at the bottom, but I didn’t feel like standing around and waiting for it to happen either. Picking a direction at random, I began walking, putting distance between myself and the road.

The forest floor was rough with sticks and small rocks, but my feet walked right over them as if they weren’t there. That’s one thing that was good about all this. The bottoms of my feet had become as thick as leather, so it didn’t matter if I wore shoes out here or not.

AAAAAAAAmber! I suddenly heard my mother’s voice call. AAAAAAAAAmber!

I was still a long ways away- at least half a mile. Any normal person wouldn’t have been able to hear her. Still, it gave me a clear direction where I should go. I changed direction to head towards her voice. Another cold wind hit me, and I decided it might be better to run.

My feet passed effortlessly over the ground, carrying me towards home like I was an Olympic runner. I’m sure I made quite a sight, had anyone seen me. Naked teenage girl streaking through the forest like it was a high school football game. Luckily, I didn’t have to cross any roads, and the few back yards I passed were deserted.

Before long, I began to recognize where I was and was able to make my way home without my mother’s calling. Soon I came walking out of the trees, into my back yard, where I found my mother waiting for me with a large quilt. Seeing me, she came running down and threw the quilt over my shoulders. I gratefully wrapped it around myself.

Did anyone see you? she asked frantically, hurrying me to the back door.

I don’t think so, I answered, though I could never be sure.

She shook her head, I still say we should lock you in your room when this happens.

No, I replied. That will put me too close to you, and you know my bedroom door won’t hold me for long.

My mother fell silent, and averted her gaze. I felt sorry for her, truth be told. Most parents think that raising a normal teenager is tough. They have no idea how easy their job is.

Admittedly, this has only been going on for about half a year now. Still, I could sense it wearing on my mom’s nerves. Ever since the wolf jumped me and my father on our way home from a movie that night, six months ago, she had never been the same. Father had been dragged away and never found, and I, well… Let’s just say it definitely came as a surprise for my mother when I suddenly turned into a giant dog the next full moon.

Okay, yeah, I said it. I’m a werewolf. Now you know. Deal with it.

My mother ushered my through the door, and I sat down at the kitchen table. She bustled away and came back with a wet rag, which she used to dab at my mouth and face. When it came away, I was surprised to see how much blood was on it. I could still taste the deer I’d caught last night…

After she’d wrung the rag out in the sink, Mom immediately began to get bowls and spoons out for breakfast.

I’m not hungry, I said, even though I knew what her response would be.

I don’t care what you ate while you were out there, she huffed. You are going to eat a proper breakfast!

With that, she poured a large bowl of Cheerios and milk and pushed it in front of me. I sighed. I wasn’t hungry, but I suppose eating what she put in front of me was the least I could do. Like I said, I wasn’t the easiest child to take care of. Doing this might make her feel a bit better about the whole thing.

As I spooned the cereal into my mouth, I couldn’t help but notice the pinched expression on her face. I looked down into my bowl, unable to meet her eyes. The first time I’d changed, I’d wrecked the house before managing to escape. When I came to the next morning, naked and having flashbacks of the night before, I’d been terrified- but not nearly as much as Mom. For all she knew, the animal that had killed her husband had come back to finish off her daughter that night.

And my dad… we didn’t even talk about him anymore. Back when it had first happened, we’d assumed it had just been a wild animal attack. Now we knew better, but that didn’t change the fact that my father was dead. I had never asked her, but I couldn’t help but feel like Mom held his death against me. Not because it had been my fault or anything, but because of what it turned me into. I mean, if your spouse had been mauled by a tiger, how eager would you be to let a tiger into your home? Of course, you wouldn’t have to deal with the tiger being your own daughter, but… you know what? I think you get the picture.

I hastily finished the rest of the cereal. I even tipped the bowl up and drank the milk, just to make Mom happy. Then I stood up and went to my bedroom.

You need to go to bed, Mom called after me. You must be exhausted!

I’m going to school, I called back.

No, you’re not, she said. I’ll call them and tell them you’re sick.

I rolled my eyes and threw the quilt onto my bed. She could never seem to understand this, but even after a full night of running around as a wolf I didn’t feel tired. It was like my human body was resting while the wolf was active. Either way, I thought as I pulled some clothes out of my dresser, I wasn’t going to miss school today. A free sick day might sound awesome to anyone else, but I felt like I could use a little normality in my life.

Ten minutes later, I had gotten dressed and brushed all the nasty forest gunk out of my hair as best I could. Swinging my backpack over my shoulder, I made my way to the front door.

Amber, my mother called sharply, I said you were not going to school today!

And I’m ignoring you, I replied, allowing the front door to swing closed behind me. I could still hear her shouting at me from inside- my supersensitive ears could even make out most of what she was saying- but I kept walking. I knew she would not come outside after me. In truth, I think she would be relieved to be without me for another few hours.

It was a quick walk out of my neighborhood, and the chilly November wind didn’t seem quite so harsh underneath a set of clothes and a jacket. My school was two miles away, so I pulled out my iPod and began to play some music as I walked, allowing my mind to drift off to easier thoughts. It wasn’t until I was halfway there that I noticed anything strange…

Rather, I was grabbed by it and pulled into a deserted alleyway.

It caught me completely off guard. With my music playing in my ears, I hadn’t been paying attention enough to notice that anybody was near me. A firm, strong hand was wrapped around my arm, just above the elbow. With a powerful swing, it flung me to the ground inside the alley. I rolled over on my back to see who had grabbed me. What I saw made my blood run cold.

An arm protruded from the wall, as if the brick wall had suddenly decided to grow an arm. It was fleshy and very much human, and as I watched it retreated back into the wall, as if sinking below water.

An excited giggle came from behind me, and I spun around to see a man standing at the other end of the alleyway. He was bouncing on the balls of his feet in manic excitement.

Gotcha! he said in a high pitched voice. Gotcha, girly!

I got to my feet as he came closer to me. I began to make out things about him. He was wearing a long black coat, but that didn’t hide how grotesquely thin he was. And his skin was pasty white, as if he’d never spent a day in the sun in his life.

Who are you? I asked, trying to sound braver than I actually felt.

Girly wants my name? he asked, tilting his head to one side. Girly doesn’t get my name. Shouldn’t know my name, no, no, no!

He paused for a moment, and brought a finger to his lips in thought before announcing, Girly can call me the Octopus!

I began to back away from him, towards where the alley began. I couldn’t tell what it was about this guy that unnerved me so much. I was a werewolf, and that meant that I was stronger than any normal person, even in my human body. Surely I should be able to handle a twig like him, right?

Another giggle, and the man wagged his finger at me, a wild grin on his face, Girly wants to go away? No, no, the Octopus has his orders!

With that, he swung both of his arms upwards, and the ground came alive with arms. They grew straight out of the pavement, writhing and grabbing for anything they could catch. One of them grabbed my ankles. I tried to shake it off, but it was incredibly strong. Its grip was actually hurting me. I shot a glance at the man in the coat, and he was dancing an ecstatic little jig, giggling the whole time.

Grab the girly, grab the girly! he sang over and over again.

The arm jerked forward, pulling me off my feet. The other hands all began to grab at me then, pulling my hair, my clothes, my arms. I thrashed and fought, but could not break their hold. I was completely and utterly caught.

Got the girly, he said, as if marking off a checklist. Now take her to the boss. Yes, yes, the boss.

I didn’t know who the boss was, and I was certain that I didn’t want to find out. Still, the grips of those cold, clammy hands were unbreakable. The man took a step closer to me, grinning his sadistic grin.

Let her go! a voice came from the mouth of the alley. It wasn’t one I recognized, and I tried in vain to turn and see who it was, but the arms held me firmly in place.

For the first time, the Octopus seemed taken aback.

You? he asked in disbelief. You are not supposed to be…

Before he could finish, a green beam of light shot through the alley, narrowly missing the Octopus. He dodged to the side, squealing in fright.

Get him! he shouted, Get him, get him, get him!

Immediately, the hands holding me released their grip and sank back into the ground. I took advantage of this and got to my feet and spun around. A young man I’d never seen before stood in the alley behind me. He was thin and gangly, with neatly combed hair and a large pair of glasses. He was holding a silver scepter with a glowing green gem on top. And, at the moment, he was doing his best to fight off the Octopus’ disembodied arms. He hit them with the scepter, which caused them to retreat momentarily, and then attack him with renewed vigor. It may have looked heroic, if not for the terrified look on his face.

But, at the moment, none of that concerned me. I was free. I turned back around to face the opposite end of the alleyway.

No, no, no! the Octopus protested, coming to stand in my way. Girly not be going anywhere!

I pulled my fist back and punched him in the eye as hard as I could. He fell to the ground, grabbing his face and crying like a baby. Giving one last glance to the boy behind me, I took off running.

Chapter Two

You know how in movies, kids will get attacked in the street and then go straight to school afterwards? It’s the stupidest thing ever. If someone pulls you into an alley and tries to hurt you, the first place you need to go is to the police. If not that, then go home where you’ll be safe. Going to school, where you’ll be expected sit still in class for another eight hours before anything can be done, is quite possibly the worst thing you can do.

Don’t judge me, though, when I tell you that, after getting away from the Octopus, the first thing I did was run straight to school. I was frightened, and all I could process was that I was supposed to be going to school before everything started happening. School… It was normal, you know? And I desperately needed a little more normal in my life.

So, I arrived at school without further incident. I’m sure I was quite the sight, breathing heavily and looking as if I’d just gone toe-to-toe with the bogeyman. In truth, I wasn’t entirely sure that I hadn’t.

What happened to you? my best friend Stacey asked as I tried to open my locker with a trembling hand. Stacey, wearing too much eye shadow and chewing a wad of gum that was probably big enough for five people. To my sensitive nose, it made the air rank with the scent of bubblegum. It smelled deliciously normal.

Nothing, I answered, just a bit faster than sounded natural. Luckily, Stacey is unobservant at the best of times, and completely oblivious at others. I was actually surprised that she noticed something was wrong with me at all.

Well, she said, changing the subject while dramatically smacking her gum, I hope you finished your study guide last night, because Mr. Ward is giving us a test today.

Indeed, I had not studied. On any other day, this would have sent me into a panic. Mr. Ward’s tests were notorious for being some of the hardest any teacher gave. Today, however, failing a test seemed like a minor problem compared to being attacked a crazy man who made arms grow out of the ground… Yeah, I still hadn’t figured that part out.

As the two of us made our way to class, we passed a teacher who was reading the daily paper. I stopped in my tracks, the color draining from my cheeks.

What’s with you? Stacey asked. You look like you’ve seen a ghost or something.

Instead of answering, I spun around and asked the teacher if I could have the front page. Practically ripping it out of his hands, I read it as fast as I could while going back to where Stacey was waiting for me.

Local Girl Mauled By Wild Animal, the front page yelled at me in massive black letters. I began to feel myself go numb. Apparently, the girl, a five year old named Kimberly, had wandered outside just after sunset and been ravaged by a rabid dog. That was the only explanation the authorities could think of.

Oh, that? Stacey asked, sounding remarkably apathetic about it. Sounds like it happened pretty close to your place. Might want to watch out.

How close? I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. There was a picture of Kimberly in the middle of the article, taken just a few days ago. She was standing on top of a playground, smiling her cute little girl smile. I was unable to tear my gaze away.

Like, just a couple of streets away, I think.

My mind flashed back to when I’d first woken up that morning, with the taste of blood fresh in my mouth. I’d assumed it was deer. Deer was one of the things I loved to hunt most when I was a wolf. What if it hadn’t been deer I tasted, though? What if it had been little girl?

My stomach lurched, and for a moment I thought I was going to puke. I took a few deep breaths and managed to steady myself after a moment.

Geez, Stacey said. She paused to blow a bubble, Don’t freak out or anything. Just don’t go outside for awhile and you’ll be fine.

I nodded my head, pretending as if that were all I was worried about, and began walking to Mr. Ward’s class. With every step I took, though, I couldn’t help but think of Kimberly. How many rabid dog attacks happen in my neighborhood. This was the first I’d ever heard about. It sounded far more likely, to me, that something else had gotten her. Something the authorities would be unable to track down for another month…

I didn’t realize that I had wandered into Mr. Ward’s class until I sat down at my desk, jolting me out of autopilot. It looked like Stacey and I had arrived just in time, as all the other seats were full. The bell rang, making me jump in fright. Luckily, nobody saw me.

All right, Mr. Ward said in his quiet, husky voice, everyone put your books away and get out a pencil. He paused and looked at Stacey, Ms. Pencilton, please spit your gum out.

Shooting our teacher a dirty look, Stacey got up and spat her massive ball of gum into the trash, eliciting a few groans of disgust from the class.

Now, Mr. Ward began again, this test will go on for the whole class. You may not use your notes, but you may use a calculator. When you are finished, please…

He stopped again as the door opened, and a new student walked in. I felt my breath catch in my throat as I saw who it was.

Yes, Mr. Ward asked, irritated at being interrupted again, can I help you?

Sorry I’m late, the scrawny boy said, pushing his glassed further up his nose. I was having trouble with my locker.

Mr. Ward furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, You are not in this class, young man.

I’m pretty sure nobody else noticed it, but I saw the boy make a discreet hand gesture, and Mr. Ward’s face went lax.

Oh, yes, he said, of course. Sorry about that, please take a seat.

The scrawny boy made a show of scanning the entire room for an empty desk, but I knew he had no intention of taking any seat besides the one behind mine. He wasn’t carrying the glowing green scepter anymore, though I would have guessed he was carrying it in the overstuffed backpack he had slung over his shoulders. He smiled eagerly at me as he went past, showing off his braces. I held my breath, trying not to make eye contact.

Now, Mr. Ward said, here are your tests. You may begin when you get it.

He handed out the tests, and I made my best effort to focus on it, and not the gangly young man behind me. I couldn’t even begin to work out the problems, but I still tried to bury myself in the rows upon rows of numbers and symbols. For a little while, it worked. Then I felt a light, tentative tap on my shoulder.

Hey, he whispered. My name’s Edgar. Can I borrow a pencil?

Chapter Three

You know that new kid’s been following you around all day, right? Stacey asked, sticking her latest wad of gum onto her lunch tray. It’s creepy.

Stacey was right. I’d figured it out long before she had. Everywhere I went, Edgar was somewhere nearby, always wearing that slightly-too-big smile on his face. Even now, he was sitting two tables away from us, his eyes never leaving me. I kept myself from looking in his direction, though.

He either knows you from somewhere, Stacey mused.

No he doesn’t! I shot back.

Or he’s got a major crush on you, she finished, giving me a coy wink.

I felt my face redden, and I had to quell the sudden urge to bite her. Somehow, I don’t think that’s it either.

Stacey shrugged, Well, whatever the reason, he won’t take his eyes off you. She looked down at her salad, and then back at me. Maybe he’s a psycho waiting to catch you alone and knife you.

Or blast me with a magic wand… I added before I realized what I was saying, and then clamped my mouth shut.

Stacey gave me one of her patented you’re crazy looks, shook her head in resignation, and began to eat her lunch. I tried to focus on my chicken sandwich, but found I couldn’t work up an appetite, which was strange. The meat was processed and I could taste every preservative inside, courtesy of my werewolf taste buds, but that normally didn’t matter. If it’s meat, a wolf isn’t likely to turn it down. Between being attacked by the freaky arm man, being rescued by Edgar, finding out I was probably responsible for murdering a little girl, and then being followed all over school by Edgar, I wasn’t sure I could stomach any food.

That stuff’s gonna kill you, you know, Stacey said through a mouthful of green stuff. She pointed at my sandwich, Can’t believe you stopped being a vegan.

It’s been half a year already, I snapped. Get over it!

There’s more chemicals in that thing than a… Stacey faltered. A thing with lots of chemicals in it.

I shot her a look, and then took a big bite out of the sandwich just to spite her, chewing it with obvious relish. Stacey glared at me, and then went back to her salad.

It’s just not right, she groused. We’re not supposed to eat our animal brethren!

More brethren to me than you, I thought. I think that gives me the right to eat them if I want.

The argument was childish, I know, but it managed to take my mind off of Edgar for a few minutes. We finished our lunches in silence, and then got up to leave. Stacey put her gum back into her mouth, and announced that she had to go to the restroom. I stood in the hallway, waiting for her to return. As I waited, random bits of conversation drifted into my ears as the other students and teachers walked by.

… going to snow again tomorrow night.

Nobody got above a 60 on my test…

How long are your parents going to be gone?

Hi, my name’s Edgar!

My pulse spiked, and I spun around to find none other than Edgar himself standing beside me. I put a hand to my chest, trying to calm my heart down. Scaring a werewolf is not a good idea- I learned that the hard way. I wanted to yell at him, but that wouldn’t do much for keeping a low profile.

Yeah, I said once I’d caught my breath again. Yeah, you told me already.

You remembered! he exclaimed, brightening up.

He wasn’t all that tall, I realized. I wasn’t either, but I still stood a good three inches above him. Not a hair was out of place on his head, and his face was clean shaven.

Um, I said tentatively, beginning to back away, I need to go.

There’s something we need to talk about, Edgar said, following me.

I don’t know what you did back there this morning, I said, trying to sound nonchalant as I hurried my pace, but I don’t want anything more to do with it.

You really have no idea? he asked, speeding up to a jog to keep up with me. It was magic. I’d have thought that’d be obvious.

I stopped in my tracks and turned to look at him in bewilderment.

Magic? I asked. You’re joking, right?

Edgar shrugged, You’re a werewolf, right? Is magic really so hard to believe in?

I froze, a shocked look on my face.

W-what did you just say? I asked, unable to keep my voice from trembling slightly.

Magic shouldn’t be so hard to believe in, he said again. After all…

No, not that! I hissed, and then lowered my voice. I mean about my being a… you know.

Oh, that? he shrugged again, We’ve been keeping an eye on you ever since the attack six months ago.

I felt my blood run cold. For half a minute, I could only stare at him. He was a tiny, scrawny boy. Being what I am, he wouldn’t have lasted five seconds in a fist fight with me, and yet he had me completely and totally intimidated- all without taking that innocent little smile off his face.

Who are you? I asked at last, my voice hardly more than a whisper.

He stuck his hand out for me to shake, Hi, my name is Edgar, licensed wizard and battle mage. I’m here to protect you!

Chapter Four

For a moment, all I could do was stare at Edgar. He smiled at me, as if this was all perfectly normal. Even though I hadn’t exactly lived a normal life for the past six months, that didn’t stop me from trying, and let me tell you that what was happening right now was not in any way shape or form normal.

Come with me, I said at last, and turned and walked towards the nearest exit. He followed behind me willingly. I burst through the doors, and had to take a moment to readjust to the overwhelming amount of sounds and scents that assaulted me. Cars roared and honked at each other on the nearby road, and I could smell their fumes and the scent of burnt rubber- not to mention the large number of students lounging around the courtyard as they ate their lunches. But I wasn’t stopping here. I immediately turned right and led Edgar around the back of the school where the stench of garbage wafted out of the dumpsters, making me want to hurl. Once I was sure we were out of any nosy students’ line of sight, I spun around and glared at Edgar with all the anger I could muster. The glare of a werewolf is enough to make even the strongest of men get goosebumps, but Edgar merely looked at me expectantly, as if waiting for me to explain why I’d brought him back here. I bit back a growl of irritation.

Okay, start explaining, I snapped. Why are you here?

It’s quite simple really, he began, pushing his glasses up his nose again. I’m here to keep you safe from those that would cause you harm.

Be a little more specific, I hissed. Who would want to cause me harm in the first place?

The Octopus.

I narrowed my eyes, trying to look as threatening as possible, Obviously, but why?

That, he said, raising a decisive finger, is on a need to know basis.

I’m the one who needs to be protected, apparently, I snapped, jabbing my own finger into his chest. He wasn’t very strong, I noticed, as he stumbled backwards when I poked him. I think that means I need to know!

Sorry, he apologized, smoothing the wrinkles out of his shirt. But I have my orders.

Orders? I echoed. So, you’re not the only one involved in this?

Need to know basis! he said quickly, diverting his gaze.

I stood there for a moment, and then leaned my back against the wall, pressing my face into my hands as I tried to keep my temper in check.

You know, I said at last, you’re the one who might need protecting soon if you don’t stop being so cryptic.

Edgar shrugged, I can’t disobey my orders, Amber.

With an exasperated groan, I pushed myself off of the wall and looked at him again.

Fine, then. What CAN you tell me?

Not much, he admitted. Just that my name is Edgar, I’m a wizard and battle mage, and that it’s my job to protect you.

I rolled my eyes, Yeah, we’ve been over that. What about the guy who attacked me earlier? The Octopus?

He’s a warlock, Edgar answered. My heart began to beat faster. Finally, I seemed to be getting somewhere.

Like you?

No, Edgar clarified. I’m a wizard. A warlock is someone who does illegal magic.

Illegal magic? I echoed.

He shrugged again, for what I’m sure was the hundredth time today, It’d take way too long to explain right now. All you need to know is that he’s out to get you, and that I’m here to protect you from him.

I looked him up and down. Short as a third grader and without an ounce of real muscle on him. He looked like he’d be more at home in the chess club than a battlefield.

Yeah, I said wryly, that’s a lot of comfort.

Edgar beamed with delight, and I resisted the urge to facepalm again.

So, I said, what now?

You just keep living your life like you normally would. I’ll be there to keep an eye on you.

I felt a chill go down my spine, How close of an eye? I asked.

As close as I’m ordered to, he said simply.

Images I had no desire to see appeared in my mind of all the places Edgar might decide to keep an eye on me. I shook my head angrily.

Well, do us both a favor and back off! I shouted, putting my hand on his chest and pushing him away. My poking had put him off balance, but my shove put him flat on his back on the ground.

Amber, I can’t do that! he protested, scrambling to get back up. I have my orders!

"But they’re not your orders, are they?" a new voice asked.

I spun around to see that another man had come to join us. He was the polar opposite of Edgar: tall and muscular while still lean. His long raven hair fell down to his back regally, and his black business suit made him look strikingly out of place standing next to a dumpster. In his hand, he held a scepter just like Edgar’s, except that his was gold with a ruby gem.

Victor! Edgar exclaimed, taking a step backwards. It was the first time I’d ever seen him caught off guard.

What are you doing here, Edgar? Victor asked calmly, but I could detect the inaudible menace that his voice carried. Whoever Victor was, he was not a man to be trifled with.

I’m just- I came to- I just wanted to… Edgar sputtered.

You were specifically instructed not to involve yourself in this, Victor interrupted. This is my department, not yours.

I wanted to help, the young man said sheepishly, but I didn’t miss the quick glance he sent my way.

Victor’ eyebrows lowered in disapproval, This again? he demanded. Must you always lose your senses when you see a pretty face?

This time, it was my turn to take a step backward. This scary man had just called me pretty, but I was far from taking it as a compliment. The way he looked at me, you’d think I was a stray dog his son had brought into the house.

So, he said, now speaking to me, you’re the new Silverblood everyone has been talking about.

I’m the… what? I asked, taking another step back. Victor hadn’t made a single threatening move, but he still made my skin crawl. There was just something about him that I didn’t like- at all.

I would be more than happy to answer your questions, Victor said, and he took a step closer, if you would just come with me.

The moment his foot touched the ground, my vision went completely red. I had no idea what was happening, but I no longer saw Victor and Edgar standing by the back wall of my school. I was in a cage, with a shadowy figure looming over me.

Still not resilient enough, the figure said, it’s voice sounding dull and faraway. Pump another dose of silver into it.

Then there was pain. Intense, indescribable pain. Like somebody was shooting fire into my veins. But through it, I could still make out another shadowy figure standing at a control panel, pressing buttons.

Victor.

Suddenly, I was back in front of my school, and my vision was normal again. It seemed only a moment had passed, not even long enough for Victor to take another step. I backpedaled away from him, slamming into the brick wall.

Stay away from me! I screeched.

Victor paused, seeing my reaction, and then raised his scepter.

Please calm down, Amber, he said, and the gem on his scepter began to glow.

I shook my head wildly, No, no, get away from me!

And then it started. Even in my frenzied state, I had a feeling it would. I felt my body begin to swell. It was like I was a balloon somebody was inflating as my muscles grew larger. Within seconds, my clothes no longer fit, and began to tear at the seams. My senses became even sharper as brown fur shot up all over my body, and my bones cracked, reshaping themselves to my other form.

Amber, stop! I heard Edgar shout, but then my vision turned red again as a bolt of red hot energy shot out of Victor’s scepter and struck me in the chest. It flung me onto my back, but didn’t keep me down for long. By the time I got back up, I had to stand on four feet. I gave an agitated shake, throwing the tattered remains of my clothes off of my body.

Leave… Me… Aloooorgh, I said, my words turning into an unintelligible snarl as my face pushed forward into a muzzle, leaving me 100% wolf for the second time in less than a day. I saw Victor raise his scepter to blast me again, but I didn’t give him the chance. I turned tail, literally, and ran.

On a full moon, I kind of black out when I turn into my wolf, and my instincts take over. It’s rare that I can remember anything beyond a few fragmented pieces of the night- like trying to remember a dream after you wake up. When I change any other time, though, I stay in control. It happens when I get really scared or angry. I’d only done it twice before today.

We can’t let the Silverblood get away! I heard Victor exclaim behind me. I felt the fur on my back tingle as another magic blast flew over me, almost hitting me. I put on an extra burst of speed and rounded the corner of a nearby building, breaking his line of sight.

In wolf form, I can run much faster than I can on two feet. Like, ridiculously fast. I didn’t stop to count, but I’m sure that I passed at least three cars that were going in the same direction as me. I was heading for home, but my fear had worked its way into my brain, leaving me with nothing but sheer panic to guide my steps. I ran for half an hour before realizing I was nowhere near my street, and did a U-turn. Within minutes, I was racing down my road, utterly convinced that my tail was about to be lit on fire. I got to my house, and even in my terror-crazed mind, I knew it would be bad if anyone saw my mom let a massive wolf in through the front door. So I ran to the backyard, where I’d come out of the forest just this morning, and frantically began scratching at the back door like an oversized puppy.

My mom came to the back door, obviously thinking one of the neighbors’ dogs had gotten lost. When she saw me, she froze. It wasn’t often that she actually got to see me in my wolf form, and I don’t know if she even recognized me at first. Fortunately, she got the clue and opened the door. I streaked inside, straight to my bedroom, and leaped onto my bed, curling into a frightened wolfy ball.

Amber! Mom shouted from the kitchen, coming after me. She stopped at my bedroom door and looked inside. She was afraid to come inside, not sure if I would bite her head off or not. W-what happened?

Naturally, I can’t talk when I’m a wolf, so I just looked at her and let out the most pathetic whine I could muster. Now, I know I’ve been pretty hard on my mom since I introduced her here, but to her credit she took my being a werewolf far better than I’d expected. No matter what I turned into on the full moon, she was still my mother, and at no point did I realize that more than right now, as she tentatively made her way to sit down on my bed. She reached down and took my big head in her hands, stroking my head like a dog, and then wrapped her arms around my neck in a comforting hug.

It’s okay, baby, she murmured. Don’t be afraid. It’ll all be okay. She spoke to me as if I were a two year old scared by a thunderstorm.

And you know what? Just this once, I didn’t mind.

Chapter Five

Mom? I called softly as I stepped out of my room. I was on two feet again, and dressed in my softest, most comforting, set pajamas and fuzzy slippers.

In here, she called back.