SILAS

I took a step forward, then another, hesitant—would she like this illusion I had created from my dark magic?

"Love, is that you?" Her beautiful eyes looked at me, doubtful, standing in the middle of the clearing, bathed in silver light.

Her magic reached out to me, probing, testing me. I began to move toward her.

The pads of my massive paws pressed against the fallen leaves and soft grass. I felt a little ridiculous, but for her, I would do anything.

"It’s me," I told her in her mind.

"Silas, you turned into a wolf!"

She leaned over my massive form, her hands burying themselves in the mist-like fur I had conjured.

I lifted my head, mesmerized by her smile, contagious and radiant, as she stroked me with joy and wonder.

It had been worth the effort, practicing until I mastered this form.

"I can create a wolf with magic too!" she said, her eyes sparkling.

"But… I don’t know how to transform my clothes properly like you do… mmm, wait a moment!"

She darted behind a tree. I heard the