Page 25 of Volik

The final version.

A deep laugh rolls out of me as I stand up straight.

I roll my shoulders. And the fabric of my shirt rips apart even more.

I kick off my destroyed shoes.

I am… so much bigger.

Thicker. Heavier. Taller.

My clothing clings to me in strips and tatters.

I lift my hands to my head.

My horns have doubled in length. The points are sharper than they were before, and the lower half, the new half, is covered in small ridges.

I drag my tongue over the tip of one fang.

Longer. Sharper.

My gravito pulses once more before it stills, sitting heavy in my chest.

Heavier than before.

Heavier, because it is more powerful than it was before.

Because I am more powerful.

I was not sure it would happen.

Did not know what it would be like.

But this is it.

This is it.

I inhale again. And the enchanting scent of orchids wraps around me.

Pulls me forward.

Toward the exit.

And I let it take me.

Because it’s taking me to her.

It is leading me to my mate.

Chapter 14

Nix

Istagger across my classroom as the floor shakes beneath my feet.

It’s him.

It has to be him.