Moonlit Abyss                                  Prologue                             June 7. 12:28am

The trees sway steadily, gently in the warm summer breeze. Salty sea water slowly overlaps, embraces the coastline in a series of splashes and waves. Slowly, I pad down an overgrown path, nearing the soft sound of the rolling tide, and the occasional call of a gull above. Bare-footed, I navigate around rocks and pebbles, over a fallen log, and continue down the path. I switch into a jog, almost bursting, exploding with excitement.

It is in the clearing where I break into a run, no longer aware of my surroundings. The wind whips through my brown, blue streaked hair, and silver nightgown, as I race down the never-ending coast. I feel free, wild, and this, this is only the beginning. I inwardly smirk to myself. The transformation from mortal to immortal, human to beast. I become more excited, as this beast inside me is unleashed and showing it's true colors.

Bones creak, break into place, paws and claws replace feet and toes, fangs replace human teeth and greenish-hazel eyes become more sensitive. Following a trail of goosebumps over my skin is brownish-grey fur, wildly flowing in the moonlight. My nightgown gives way as I drop to all fours and pound down the coast line, faster than ever. Nothing seems to compare to this. I raise my snout proudly as I roar and continue to gallop. One could almost say that this is what it feels to be free, like a bird being let out of its cage. I follow the winding direction of the beach, and elongate my canine legs to accelerate, digging my caws into the dampened sand. My tail trails behind me, and my fur dances in the wind.

But all things must come to an end.

I am lucky I have gotten this far without my elders witnessing my juvenile act. But there is one more thing I must do before I transform back. I come to a rock wall, reaching a height of about 20 feet. I leap up, and run up the sandy trail, 'till I come to a cliff overlooking the ocean. The sea is ablaze. It appears like liquid fire, the skies the product of some surrealist. The hues of orange, red, and purple stretch across the vault of the heavens, obscuring the stars, but unable to hide their existence. A few stars to the north shine precariously through the vivid spectrum of sunset colors.

Tilting my head back slowly, relishing in the disappearing sunlight, I let out a fierce howl. Satisfied with an evening well spent, I slide back into the bushes. It was all worth it, even if it means punishment.