Their eyes connected, but hers were that of a stranger. Still, warmth radiated from the stare. As she pulled herself upright, two legs wobbling with uncertainty of the soil’s stability, she did not look away from her. What had she done?

Kaya and the elders made no sound, trembling beneath their paws at the sight before them. Awena had leapt into the iridecent pool of water in search of a miracle for the pack. The legend was deceitful for certain. For when she emerged from the pond she was enchanted, but at what cost?

Lifting the limbs where her sturdy paws once lived, she discovered she now possessed delicate features, long and thin with claws that could not protect her. Awena’s eyes darted to the elders, then back at Kaya. How could she lead them now? Kaya let out a howl, but Awena’s new ears must have been broken for she could not understand her. Awena began to speak, her voice cracking and tongue flopping in confusion of where to land. Terror fell upon the pack as they realized communication would not be possible. Awena was on her own now. With unsure footing, she set out to find the answer.