Page 10 of The Wolf and Her Shadows

Oh.

Taking a half-step back, I give my fur a rough shake in hopes of, quite literally, shaking off a bit of my unease. It doesn’t work. Letting out yet another annoyed huff, I give this so-called Aren a slow once-over. He’s wearing the same sweat-stained leather armor as Vannaria. That much is obvious. Inhaling deeply, I let my nose tell me the information my eyes refuse to believe.

Ah, yes, the boots still smell just as awful. As does the armor. Yet, there’s a faint hint of a smokey smell clinging to him, which wasn’t there before. At least not that I noticed. I take a hesitant step closer and give the air another sniff, then finally allow myself to relax.

It must’ve been noticeable because Aren chuckles and says, “Do I pass your inspection?”

I do my best to give him a glare.

He only chuckles harder. “Worry not, I may look like a man, but I lack the appendage that you seem to be fond of…removing. It is merely a glamour, underneath it we all still look the same. Mostly.”

I’m unable to stop the low whine that slips past my lips as I dart a glance to the bag at Aren’s hip. The one holding my clothes. As much as I love my wolven form, I’m feeling a bit exposed in this near-stranger’s presence. And, man or not, they still look far too much like one for me to feel comfortable around them. At least not yet.

No, what am I thinking? I can’t afford to let my guard down around any of them, they’re after my bounty for crying out loud.

Closing the distance between us, I tentatively place a large paw on Aren’s leg. When it becomes clear the horse doesn’t intend to bolt, I let out another pained whine, nudging the bag with my nose.

“Ah yes, of course. Apologies.” To my relief, Aren begins tugging the dreadful clothing I’d been wearing free. “I wasn’t sure which form you’d prefer to stay in for the moment. Perhaps I should have asked that first.” Dropping the clothing on the ground next to me, they quietly ask, “Would you like me to retrieve Vannaria for you? You seemed a bit less on edge around her and I’d hate for you to feel uncomfortable.”

My head cocks to the side without my permission. What an odd thing for a mercenary intent on returning me to the life I’d fled from to care about. My comfort? No one has ever cared about my comfort. At least, not in quite some time.

Well, that’s not entirely true, is it? Vannaria did as well, didn’t she? Or at least claimed to.

Dipping my head in the faintest of nods, I allow my tail two quick swishes.

Aren nods back, seemingly understanding. “Alright, one moment.” Their eyes fall shut and they exhale a long slow breath, relaxing back into the saddle.

After a moment, their eyes flutter back open, now returned to Vannaria’s vibrant violet hue. The rest of their appearance remains unchanged, however. With a grimace twisting their features, they mutter something in a tongue I don’t understand and their skin ripples slightly before settling back into Vannaria’s elven visage.

To my horror, my tail begins swaying and I accidentally let out a pleased yip. How mortifying.

Vannaria chuckles softly, a much more pleasant sound than Aren’s deep timber. Glancing down at my clothes, she tips her head and asks, “Should I turn around while you shift back, or would you like to give me another show?”

Doing my best to roll my eyes, I snatch up my skirt with my teeth and trot over to the largest tree nearby. After depositing the skirt behind it, I return for my shirt, the sound of Vannaria’s airy laughter ringing out as I do. Fabric still clenched between my teeth, I curl my lips to snarl at her.

She merely laughs louder.

Once I’m safely tucked behind the tree, clothes at the ready, I inhale deeply. As I exhale, I will my body to give up my momentary freedom and return to my human form.

Unfortunately, it does so.

Joints and limbs rearrange themselves. Fur recedes to reveal pale flesh once more. No more tail to give away my emotional state. At least the change back was slightly quicker, if not less painful. Small mercies.

Panting as if I’d been the one to sprint through the forest instead of the horse, I force my aching muscles to gather up my clothes. My shoulder joint catches as I’m slowly tugging my shirt over my head causing me to wince. Cursing under my breath, I carefully finish pulling it down over my breasts before bending to retrieve my skirt.

As I’m attempting to tie the laces of my skirt with trembling fingers, Vannaria calls out, “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” I snap, a bit of a snarl still in my voice.

“Are you sure? You don’t sound it.” The concern evident in her tone only adds to my frustration.

“Ask me again and I’ll display just how fine I am by ripping out your tongue so you can no longer ask me pointless questions.” Once I’ve twisted the laces into some semblance of a knot, I step out from behind the tree, meeting Vannaria’s frown with a glare.

“Does it truly hurt that badly? The change?” she quietly asks, ignoring my threat.

Against my better judgement, I sigh and admit, “It didn’t before, but ever since the majority of my magic was locked away it can be quite painful, yes.”

I shouldn’t admit my weakness to her. To them. I know that, but it’s been so long since I’ve had anyone to confide in… No. For all I know this is all an elaborate ruse. Pretending to offer to assist me in hopes of tricking me into letting my guard down.