5.

You can hear me? I thought in my head.

"Of course, my darling daughter."

Daughter? What do you mean?

"Eighteen years ago, when your earthly

mother was pregnant with your earthly

sister, I used her body as a vessel to give the earth a physical form of myself. You."

Wait. What?

"In my form, I am unable to birth an

earthly child. There is something coming to my beloved wolves that will require someone with God-like abilities to help."

That feeling I've had?

"Yes, my darling. It's coming soon and you will need to help the king save your kind."

What is it?

She shook her head.

"That I do not know. I just know that something is coming and it is a threat to you all."

Why me?

"Because, my sweet Winter, you are my

child. An earthly born goddess, you are a version of me."

That can't be, Goddess. I was born on earth. I've been with my mother and father all this time. If I am your daughter, why didn't you come for me sooner?

"To protect you. If others knew of your

existence it would have put you in jeopardy as well as all the packs."

How can I help? I'm not a warrior. I'm

small and untrained. I've never fought before.

"You are not a normal wolf. You will have additional abilities that the others won't."

Abilities? Like what?

"Foresight. Extreme speed. Great Intelligence. And if you can unlock the ability, you can control those around you."

Wow. This is a lot to take in.

"I know, my child. It is and I am so sorry

that you must be the one this falls to."

Does anyone know that we're in danger?

She shook her head.

Do you know when this danger will come? Is it soon? Or will it be later?

"I really wish I knew the exact date, my child. Just be prepared."

What if nobody believes me? I'm not even sure if I believe all of this.

She approached me, cupping each side of my furry face, and pressed her forehead to mine. She pulled away smiling at me.

"You'll have my mark, no one will be able to deny it once the see and know of my mark." She kissed my cheek and the bright moonlight encompassed her before darkness took over again.

I floated in the void until I was able to feel the grass under my paws. My vision adjusted to the circle of women who were crowded around me.

I breathed heavily, trying to adjust to not just being a wolf but from leaving the void. I stared at the ground, watching as the fur retracted on my hands.

I sat up and looked around at the concerned faces. Queen Elaine took a step forward. "Child, are you okay?" I nodded, my chest rising dramatically with each breath.

"Uh, what is that?" Summer asked staring at my face.

"Wh-what?" I asked.

"On your forehead. What is that?" I reached up and ran my fingers along my forehead feeling nothing. I shrugged.

"Winter. What happened?"

"Um, I don't know. What's the first shift

supposed to be like?" I asked.

"Well, not quite like that."

"What happened?" I asked.

"You shifted, and then collapsed."

"Oh." I stood and looked around, standing.

"I'm fine."

"Honey?" mom asked.