My laughter died completely. I fell onto the bed, stunned, feeling like I might cry all over again. I had never seen a shift happen that fast. Not that I was any expert on it or anything, but most of the shifters at the party seemed to take their time.

I reached towards her, my hands shaking, but stopped before actually touching her. It wasn't real. It wasn't real. I swallowed down bile, fighting off the urge to vomit.

She slowly approached me, and I set my hand on her head, ...