The air was electric under the full moon, the silver glow illuminating the clearing where the pack gathered. Excited voices and laughter filled the space, and the energy in the air was almost tangible. I stood off to the side at the edge of the clearing, my arms wrapped tightly around myself, a silent outsider.

My heart was racing with anxiety as it hammered against my ribcage, the weight of dread settling in my stomach as I watched the rest of the pack mingle about. They were all excited, chatting and laughing as they prepared for the pack run. I, on the other hand, felt like I was going to throw up.

A few people glanced my way, their eyes narrowing in confusion or curiosity, wondering what I was doing there, but most didn’t bother acknowledging me at all, which I supposed was a blessing. Up until everything started happening, I was invisible to most of the pack, and I liked it that way.

Just as I was starting to think that maybe, just maybe, I could get through this night without any trouble, Emma appeared at my side, a sly smile spreading across her face. I watched her approach me, her golden hair shimmering under the moonlight. She was flanked by Sarah, Rachel, and a couple of others whose names I didn’t know. They all wore the same smug expressions, their eyes glinting with something that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Hey, Jade," she said, her voice cutting through the chatter, sharp, grating, and dripping with malice. "I've got a fun game in mind for tonight's pack run."

"What is it?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Emma smirked, her hands on her hips. “Oh, don’t look so scared. We’re just here to have a little fun. You like games, don’t you?”

“Well, she continued without letting me say another word, “It’s simple. You’re going to run as fast as you can. No shifting, of course, since we all know you can’t. And if none of my friends here can catch up with you,” she gestured to the group behind her, “I might just believe that you're not trying to steal Paul from me.”

I shook my head, my stomach twisting at the accusation. “Steal Paul? I don’t even—”

Emma raised an eyebrow, cutting me off with an icy voice. "Save it, Jade. I'm not buying any lies that leave those disgusting little lips of yours. You're going to run, and you're going to run like your life depends on it. Because, let's face it, it does."

"No, Emma, please," I begged, trying to back away.

Emma just laughed as she leaned closer, her eyes narrowing. “It doesn’t matter what you want, you don't have a choice, Jade. What matters is what I say. And I say you’re going to run, and you're going to do it now. Run like your pathetic half blood life depends on it because, spoiler alert—it does.”

My breath hitched, terror creeping into my chest. “You can’t be serious,” I whispered.

“Oh, I’m deadly serious,” she said with a wicked grin. “A wolf on a full moon? You don’t want to get caught, Jade. Trust me on that.”

Before I could protest further, Emma began stripping off her clothes, the others following suit. My face flushed as I quickly averted my gaze, but the sound of bones snapping and flesh twisting filled the air as their bodies began to shift into their wolf forms, making me nauseous.

When I dared to look again, I was greeted by the sight of wolves—massive, hulking creatures with gleaming eyes and teeth that could rip me apart in seconds.

“Run,” Emma’s voice, the word echoing in my head like a death sentence. She was the only one who was half shifted, the other were fully shifted into their wolf forms

I didn’t wait to argue, I knew I had to get out of there, fast. My instincts kicked in, and I turned and started to run, sprinting into the dark forest. The cool night air stung my lungs as I ran, branches snagging at my clothes and tearing at my skin. My heart thundered in my chest, and every muscle in my body screamed for me to stop, but I couldn’t. I could hear the wolves behind me, their paws pounding against the earth as they gave chase.

I ran as fast as I could, my legs pumping furiously as I desperately tried to outrun the pack. But I knew it was no use. I was human, and they were wolves. I didn't stand a chance.

Behind me, the sound of paws pounding against the earth grew louder, accompanied by guttural growls and snarls that sent waves of terror coursing through me. As I ran, I could feel the terror building up inside me. I was going to die. I was going to be torn apart by the pack.

“Faster, Jade,” Emma’s mocking voice called out. “I thought I told you to run like your life depends on it!”

Tears blurred my vision, but I kept running, adrenaline overriding everything else. The forest was a blur of shadows and moonlight, and I stumbled over roots and rocks, my legs threatening to give out beneath me.

“Please,” I whispered to no one, my voice breaking. “Just let me make it through this.”

But the wolves were closing in, their snarls growing louder, their presence a heavy weight bearing down on me. I wasn’t fast enough. I wasn’t strong enough. And as the howls of the pack pierced the night, I realized this might be my end.

I pushed forward, terror fueling every step, but deep down, I knew I couldn’t outrun them forever. And then, just as suddenly as it had started, everything went black.