Chapter 67

As the Hawkins faction members poured into the mansion, Shea's heart raced. She couldn't retreat to the safe room – it was no longer an option. Instead, she steeled herself for the fight ahead.

Achilles and Marcus immediately sprang into action, their bodies shifting into their werewolf forms with practiced ease. Shea watched in awe as their muscles rippled and fur sprouted across their skin. She longed to join them, but her own transformation remained frustratingly out of reach.

"Shea, stay behind us!" Achilles growled, his voice deepened by his wolf form.

But Shea refused to be a helpless bystander. She remembered Lucius's training, the hours spent honing her reflexes and strength. With a deep breath, she centered herself and tapped into the well of power she knew lay dormant within her.

The first attacker lunged at her, claws extended. Time seemed to slow as Shea's instincts kicked in. She ducked under the swipe, pivoting on her heel to deliver a crushing blow to the werewolf's solar plexus. The impact sent him flying across the room, crashing into a bookshelf.

Surprised by her own strength, Shea allowed herself a moment of pride before focusing on the next threat. She moved with a grace and speed she'd never known before, weaving between opponents and striking with deadly precision.

Across the room, Achilles tore through the Hawkins forces with savage efficiency. He caught Shea's eye for a moment, a mix of pride and concern evident even in his lupine features.

Marcus fought with calculated brutality, each movement designed to inflict maximum damage. He barked orders to the Von Lunar guards who had joined the fray, coordinating their defense.

As the battle raged on, Shea felt a familiar warmth spreading through her body. Her senses sharpened, the world around her coming into crystal-clear focus. With a surge of exhilaration, she realized what was happening – her first transformation was beginning.

Shea's body trembled as the transformation took hold. Her bones shifted and reshaped, muscles expanding and contracting. She cried out in a mixture of pain and exhilaration as fur sprouted across her skin. Within moments, where a young woman had stood, a magnificent silver-furred werewolf now crouched, ready for battle.

Achilles paused mid-fight, his eyes widening at the sight of Shea's transformed state. "Shea..." he breathed, a mixture of awe and pride in his voice.

But there was no time for celebration. The Hawkins forces, momentarily stunned by Shea's unexpected transformation, redoubled their efforts. They seemed to realize the true prize that stood before them – a rare werewolf of immense potential.

Shea's newfound instincts kicked in. She leapt into the fray with renewed vigor, her claws slashing through the air with deadly precision. Her heightened senses allowed her to anticipate attacks before they came, dodging and countering with fluid grace.

Across the room, Marcus barked out orders to the Von Lunar guards. "Protect Shea at all costs!" he growled, his own claws tearing through an attacker's throat.

Achilles fought his way to Shea's side, the two of them moving in perfect synchronization. Back to back, they faced the onslaught of Hawkins werewolves. Shea's silver fur gleamed in the dim light, a stark contrast to Achilles' dark coat.

"You're doing amazing," Achilles rumbled, his voice filled with pride even as he batted away another attacker.

Shea felt a surge of confidence at his words. She embraced her new form, reveling in the power coursing through her veins. With a fierce growl, she launched herself at a group of Hawkins wolves, her claws finding purchase in flesh and fur.

Shea's newfound werewolf form surged with raw power as she faced the Hawkins attackers. Her silver fur bristled, muscles rippling beneath her skin as she crouched low, ready to spring into action. The transformation had awakened something primal within her, and she embraced it fully.

Without hesitation, Shea lunged at the nearest Hawkins wolf, her claws raking across its chest. The attacker howled in pain, stumbling backward. Shea pressed her advantage, snapping her powerful jaws at its throat. She tasted blood and fur, feeling a surge of savage satisfaction as her opponent crumpled to the ground.

Across the room, Achilles fought with fluid grace, his dark form a blur of motion. He caught Shea's eye for a brief moment, a look of fierce pride crossing his face before he turned back to his own opponents.

Shea's heightened senses allowed her to anticipate attacks from all sides. She ducked under a swipe from behind, twisting to sink her teeth into her attacker's leg. The Hawkins wolf yelped, giving Shea the opening she needed to throw it bodily across the room.

As she fought, Shea felt her confidence growing. Each successful strike, each defeated opponent, fueled her determination. She was no longer just fighting for survival – she was fighting for her place in this world of werewolves, for her right to stand beside Achilles and the Von Lunars.

A particularly large Hawkins wolf charged at her, its eyes gleaming with malice. Shea met its charge head-on, their bodies colliding with a thunderous impact. They grappled, claws tearing at fur and flesh. Shea felt pain lance through her side, but she pushed through it, focusing on the fight.

With a burst of strength, Shea managed to get her jaws around the Hawkins wolf's throat. She clamped down hard, feeling the life drain from her opponent as it went limp in her grasp. As she released it, letting the body fall to the floor, Shea realized the tide of the battle had turned.

The remaining Hawkins attackers, seeing their fallen comrades and the fierce resistance they faced, began to retreat. Shea's chest heaved with exertion as she watched them flee, her silver fur matted with blood - both her own and her enemies'.

Achilles bounded over to her, his dark form towering even in his werewolf state. He nuzzled her gently, a low rumble of approval emanating from his chest. Shea leaned into him, feeling a surge of affection and pride.

As the adrenaline of battle began to fade, Shea felt the pain of her injuries more acutely. She winced, her form shimmering as she struggled to maintain her werewolf shape. Achilles, sensing her distress, gently guided her towards a corner of the room where they could catch their breath.

Lucius appeared moments later, his clothes torn but his eyes blazing with fierce satisfaction. "Well done, both of you," he said, his voice gruff with pride. "Shea, your first transformation was... impressive, to say the least."

Shea felt a warmth spread through her at the praise. She concentrated, willing herself back into human form. The process was less painful this time, though still disorienting. As she regained her human shape, she felt Achilles' arms wrap around her, supporting her.

"Are you alright?" he murmured, his eyes scanning her for injuries.

Shea nodded, still catching her breath. "I think so. That was... intense."

Lucius approached them, his expression serious. "We need to move quickly. The Hawkins pack will regroup and likely return with reinforcements. We've bought ourselves some time, but we need to use it wisely."

Achilles helped Shea to her feet, his touch gentle but firm. "What's our next move?" he asked his father.

Lucius's eyes gleamed with determination. "We go on the offensive. It's time we take the fight to them. But first, we need to tend to our wounds and prepare."