The Fiery Birth of a Wolf

The moment Mr. Vance disappeared into the trees, something inside me fractured. A searing heat exploded beneath my skin, like my blood had been replaced with lava. I doubled over in the icy river, a scream tearing from my throat.

"What's happening to me?" I gasped, clutching at my stomach. The contrast between the freezing water and the inferno inside me was unbearable.

Rowan's voice cut through the haze of pain. "Get her out of the water! Now!"

Hands grabbed at me from all directions. I thrashed against them, the touch of skin against mine only intensifying the burning.

"Don't touch me!" I screamed, my vision blurring. "It hurts!"

"Hazel, we need to get you to shore," Silas's voice sounded distant despite his closeness.

They half-carried, half-dragged me to the riverbank, my legs buckling beneath me. The moment they laid me on the grass, the burning sensation increased tenfold. I writhed, clawing at my skin which felt too tight, too confining.