ASHER
The announcement came during Monday morning assembly, and it felt like a death sentence.
Dean Blackwood stood at the front of the great hall, his imposing Alpha presence commanding immediate silence from the hundreds of students packed into the space.
"As many of you know," he began, his deep voice carrying easily through the room, "this Friday is the full moon, and as is tradition at Stone Claw Academy, we will be holding our annual Welcome Party in the woods Thursday evening."
Excited murmurs rippled through the crowd. For most students, this was something to look forward to, a chance to blow off steam before the intensity of the transformation run.
For me, it was the beginning of the end. I sat near the back with Scott and a few other students, my hands clenched in my lap, trying to keep my expression neutral despite the panic clawing at my throat.
Thursday evening. Three days away. The full moon on Friday. Four days.
