I had seen it.

I shifted, the pain acute and biting as I took my aufhocker form and raced into the surrounding woods, a howl tearing from my throat—a call to others like me. As I sped along, I sensed I was not alone, and when I glanced to my left and right, the silhouettes of other aufhockers raced alongside me.

Their presence only made me run harder and howl louder, their wails joining mine. It was a haunting song that would terrify any human.

But I was no longer terrified of this form or what I might do with it.

I continued until I came to a rocky cliff that rose above me, walling off my flight, but at the very height of it, more aufhockers approached, baring their teeth. The sky above them was filled with flashes of blue-white lightning. It blazed behind them, only adding to their ferociousness.

I slowed and turned, surrounded by the same red-eyed monsters. My muscles rippled, my stride predatory, as I paced, waiting for my challenger. The pack was filled with tension, bodies vibrating with anticipation as their leader emerged from the dark wood. She was no bigger than me, but much older and tired. I did not know how I knew—but the knowledge existed in the air between us.

We circled one another, surrounded by a host of growls and keen howling, encouraging the fight. She snapped her teeth, nipping at my feet, and I snarled, instinct taking over as she tried to provoke me into an attack before I was ready. Our circle grew tighter, and she snapped, attempting to bite down upon my neck, but I moved and our mouths locked, sharp teeth clanking. It hurt, but only cut my mouth. We shoved away from each other and leapt together again. Our bodies slammed, and we fell to the ground, teeth locked, claws sinking into each other. Neither one of us moved, growls deepening.

Finally, she shifted her mouth so that she bit into my shoulder.

I howled and sank my claws deeper. We pushed away from each other, rolling in the mud, only to rise on our feet and circle one another again.

This time, I pounced, locking my jaw around her neck. She twisted and I fell onto my back. Suddenly her teeth sank into my throat. I screamed, though the sound came out more like a yelp, and I dug my claws into her ribs. She whined, and I was able to push her away with my feet.

The aufhocker flew and hit the stone wall, her head snapping back. She landed with a thud and did not move. I approached, nudging her with my nose, and I felt a pang of guilt having gone so far.

She was dead.