Riley's POV

I didn't expect them to actually do it.

"Shift and fight me," I had said, like I had sense, like I hadn't just invited my own funeral trying to prove a fucking point to them, I didn't even trust myself at this point.

But they did.

Right there. No hesitation. No warning.

Their bodies snapped out of shape with that harsh, wet sound that always made my stomach turn. Bones shifted, joints forced into new positions, skin stretched tight and then split into fur. It was fast, violent, and completely controlled.

I stood there watching, my confidence quietly packing its bags.

When they landed, the ground took the...