I felt the weight of every eye in the clearing upon me as they darted between Scarlet and me. The tension hung thick in the air, like the ghostly calm before a storm.
Kaine's deep voice cut through the silence. "It's time to sentence Scarlet."
My heart clenched. Suddenly, a plaintive whine echoed in my mind—Elara, Scarlet's inner wolf, crying out in fear and desperation.
Kaine's silver eyes flickered to me, a knowing look crossing his face. "I'll be careful with the procedure," he assured, his tone softer than usual.
Scarlet's face crumpled as tears began to fall. "Please," she whimpered, her usual confidence shattered.
"Shift into your wolf form," Kaine commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Scarlet's body shimmered and morphed. Where she once stood, a wolf now lay—its coat a pale gold, almost white. But something was wrong. The wolf's legs trembled, barely able to support its weight. Its head hung low, ears drooping.