Shadows of Change

The hum of the car engine did little to settle the unease twisting in Ivy’s stomach. She leaned her head against the cool glass of the window, watching the city blur past in streaks of color.

She had woken up that morning feeling… off. At first, she thought it was just the ache of missing Leo, the emptiness of knowing he wasn’t beside her anymore. But this was different. Her body felt strange—lightheaded, almost feverish. Her skin was slick with sweat, and every now and then, a wave of nausea rolled over her like she might throw up.

She took a shaky breath and pressed her hand to her chest. Maybe she was coming down with something.

Or maybe…

Her fingers curled involuntarily. Her mind drifted back to the incident two days ago—the small cut she had gotten. It had disappeared. Completely. She had brushed it off at the time, but now, it gnawed at her.

Only werewolves healed that fast. Only those with wolves.

She didn’t have a wolf.