The soft voice of my wolf suddenly echoed in my mind.
"Shift back, Andra. The path is now clear."
I closed my eyes, steadying my breath. When the shift was complete, I stood naked in the quiet forest. My skin felt raw, my muscles sore. I grabbed a spare dress from my bag and pulled it on with trembling fingers.
Looking back at everything I had left behind, I whispered, "I won't let anyone hurt me or my child again..."
I pressed onward.
The forest began to thin as dawn approached, the first rays of sunlight casting a golden glow over the trees. The faint sound of running water reached my ears, guiding me to a river. I knelt by the bank, cupping the cool water in my hands and splashing it onto my face.
"You're stronger now," I murmured to my reflection.
My hand drifted to my stomach, and a smile tugged at my lips.
