Mesmerized by the sounds, scents, and sights all around me, I hardly noticed when the sun completely disappeared for the night and the forest was enshrouded in darkness. Turning to find my way back home, I failed to notice the rustling and low growls behind me until it was too late.
 

I began taking off my clothes, my thoughts again wandered to the Change to come. Glancing out the window, I sighed as I saw the last of the light just fade behind the horizon. It was time. “Step three,” I breathed as I got into position, “breathe and pray it ends quickly.” I took a deep breath and looked up; my brown eyes met the glow of the full moon as it bathed me in its light.