I called on my enhanced abilities to increase my run. I had to get to the school fast. Like lighting I passed through the gates and kept going until a body stopped me. At the impact, both of us tumbled to the ground.

"Makia! I have been looking everywhere for you!"

I looked down to see who I had landed on.

"Herc? Herc!" I said hugging him.

"It's uh…good to see you too."

I sat up then got off of him. Lending a hand I helped him up. The music from the dance inside wafted out to us.

"Herc, About Endevi…."

"I know."

"He's….what?" I said totally surprised.

"I know that he was just being the over protective guy friend. Ioleus and I talked it over."

"You did?" I was confused. What was he talking about?

"Yes. I'm so sorry. I was overreacting. I really like you and I know you wouldn't lie to me."

For a moment I was stunned speechless. I wouldn't lie to him. Oh, by the gods. I have. He is going to hate me.

" Herc, listen." I said gathering the courage to tell the truth. All of a sudden a crash and a scream erupted from the dance inside.

"Endevi!" I exclaimed.

"What?"

"Come on."

Herc and I rushed inside.

Endevi stood at the end of the gym with his arm around Ashley's throat. The cadets moved out of the way as we rushed through.

" Well…well…well…look who came back!" Endevi exclaimed.

"Leave her alone!" I responded by getting into a fighting condition. "I know what you are! So you can give up your little charade!"

"Oh?" Endevi looked around comically. "Do you now? I guess my game is up!"

With a flash of light Endevi disappeared and the god Strife stood in his place. I heard Herc gasp behind me. I felt a hand push me aside as he moved in front of me.

"Strife! Let her go! Your fight is with me!" He exclaimed. In a whisper he added to me, "I told you something was wrong with that guy."

"But that wasn't Endevi!" I whispered agitatedly back.

"Oh no! My fight is with the wolf…or shall I say…..your fight!

Oh no…

Herc stood there confused. "What are you talking about Strife?"

Then it hit me. I came out from behind Herc.

"You knew! You knew all along and you planned this out!"

"He he…Yes! I did! And you want to know the best part?" Strife threw Ashley aside and raised his hands. "I can control you!"

Lightning bolts tore from Strife's hands tearing a hole in the ceiling. It was then I felt the pull. I began to panic. Pain shot through my head and down my spine. I screamed and fell to my hands and knees. I heard Chiron come forth to defend us all, but with screech of lightning Strife threw him against the wall.

"'kia! 'Kia!" Herc called as he came to my side. The wolf within me snarled at him and pulled away standing up. I faced Herc and looked into his eyes. I saw fear. It was then I knew my eyes had changed color. I desperately fought the darkness within me as I felt my bones stretch and my muscles tear. It was a new type of pain for me. Normally I would be long gone unconscious by now. But I fought it with a new force in will. Hair sprouted on my arms. I was beginning to loose control. By the time my transformation was half complete I was holding on by a thread. The wolf howled to be released, there was only one thing to do.

"Run!" I said in a voice not my own. The last thing I saw was the students running and screaming in fear as I attacked Strife.

The darkness consumed my consciousness. I felt the wolf off in a distance. I felt as if I were drugged and could not awake. Yet I was still conscious…I was conscious within the wolf. I had no control whatsoever. I wasn't even aware of my surroundings. I felt the strong blood lust the wolf was soo close to giving into. What was stopping it? Was it me?

I knew I had to get back control of my body. A scent came to my nose. Herc! The wolf was near him. I could feel the need…the hunger. The wolf wanted to feed. It wanted Herc. With my last show of strength I fought the darkness…I fought the wolf. For one brief moment I saw the light and I made a beeline. Awareness came to me. My body was transforming back. I forced the transformation to quicken. When it was over I looked around. Strife was no where to be found. Most of the students had run and I was standing naked in front of Herc. My world began to sway.

"Makia."

"I lied." Darkness once again consumed my mind only this time the wolf was at bay.