I sit in the passenger seat of Charlotte’s rental chewing my nails in worry. I feel my body wanting to shift forms but take deep breaths and fight the change. I can’t shake the sense that we might be too late if we don’t get there soon. Charlotte turns into their driveway and I shoot out of the car and up the yard like a bullet before she even has a chance to stop. 

I burst through the front door and, ignoring Tina in the living room, rush to the stairs. My vision zeros in on Lillie’s door right at the top of the stairs as I climb them two to three at a time, nearly slamming into the door as I come to a stop in front of it. I hear murmuring behind me, but I pay it no mind.

“Lillie!” I pound on the door with my palm, “It’s me, can you open up?”

There isn’t a noise but my heart, pounding louder and louder in fear. Something is definitely wrong.

“Lillie! Answer me!” I yell while slamming my body against the door, losing grip of my emotions. Tears stain my face as I start shifting. The door creaks and buckles under my weight, falling off the hinges as my body forms into my tiger self. I immediately spot Lillie lying on the floor by her bed.

Her body is mangled, the bones not in the right spots for either form. The upper half of her body is covered in fur but that tapers out about mid-thigh. Her face is contorted, her mouth open in a silent scream as tears pour out of her eyes like water. While it is hard to hear over mine, her heart is beating sporadically while skipping every few seconds. I let out a low growl in fear.

She needs help and I don’t know how, so I turn to look for Charlotte. I don’t see her behind me like where I thought she’d be, but hear her talking in the living room. I can’t focus on what they’re saying, and I don’t care. I roar loudly to get her attention.

Charlotte, get in here!!!!!

Tina screams and there is a loud thud, followed by a curse by Charlotte.

“One second, Ash!”Charlotte calls back, unaware of how serious the situation is. I growl.

We don’t have a second! Lillie’s dying! She isn’t shifting right!

That brings footsteps running up the stairs. Charlotte’s eyes are the color of embers as she runs into the room. She looks to be on the verge of losing her emotions as well.

“Sh*t” She says, running over to Lillie. As soon as Charlotte reaches her, Lillie grabs onto her arm. Her nails have already started to form into claws and start cutting into Charlotte’s arm. “Honey, we’re here. That loud roar was your twin, Ashka. Everything is going to be okay, but this all depends on you. I need you to stop fighting the shift. Let your body change.”

Lillie’s head seems to shake a little, and I pace back and forth, grunting and moaning. I stare at my sister, willing for her to listen to Charlotte.

“Will you stop? You’re making this harder on her!” Charlotte snaps at me. I freeze, keeping my eyes on Lillie.

What should I do to help? 

Lillie’s heartbeats are starting to slow down as she continues to fight what should be inevitable. Her breathing starts coming in gasps and each one feels like a punch in the chest as fear of losing my sister rises in me.

Charlotte lets out another curse as she moves Lillie over on her back before starting chest compressions. “Either go for a run or come over and lay against her. See if you can talk to her and get her to accept her animal.”

I shudder at the idea of leaving, so I rush over and rub against her, chuffing.

I’m beside you and will be here the whole time. It’s okay. The pain will go away when you decide to accept the shift. 

I tell her. She seems to hear me as her face starts to relax as she lets herself fall unconscious. Once she’s asleep, her heart speeds up and regulates as her bones start moving and twisting faster. The hair grows out to cover her body as Charlotte moves her on her side. I stand back up to give her room but neither Charlotte or I breathe while the shift finishes. Finally, it finishes and Lillie lets out a sigh. Charlotte releases her breath, letting me think that everything is over now. I lay down, giving out a relieved puff.

Charlotte suddenly curses and my whole body freezes, afraid I am celebrating too soon. I look over and relax, since Charlotte’s anticipating expression is not pointed towards Lillie but at the door. I look to see what’s wrong and see Tina staring at us in shock and fear.

“What…what the hell?” Tina stammers. “I was raising a monster?” She exclaims before running out of the door. I flinch, but am happy that Lillie wasn’t able to hear what Tina said.

“Stay here!” Charlotte says, before chasing after her.