April 10, 1998
"It's this one," Willow cried as she spied the state beach sign. Oz slowed and eased the van into the off-ramp. The sun was just starting its descent into the ocean. They were pushing their schedule, but it had been very difficult to pull themselves out of bed. Willow smiled as she thought about that night. And that morning. And afternoon. The look her boyfriend gave her revealed his warm recollection of those events as well.
The lifeguard hut Willow had decided on as the best place for the ritual was well away from the hot spots for both sunset watchers and night surfers, and Oz was able to park very close. Which was a good thing, considering how heavy the chains were.
He attached the chains to the sturdy, metal desk as Willow placed seashells and candles of iridescent blue and white around the room, the sprinkled sea water. As she finished, he said, "It's nearly time," and began to strip, no longer shy in front of the redhead. She watched with eyes full of love as he lay down on their altar. The witch chained him, gently but thoroughly, hands together over his head and legs slightly spread. Her white chiton stirred slightly as she moved, and she began the incantation.
"Aphrodite, we dedicate this place to you, as your temple for this night," she intoned, circling the alter with incense, sweet and rich as it swirled in the air. She stopped at the foot of the altar and called, "Aphrodite, we summon you to bless us this night." Willow unclasped the chiton and let it fall to the floor. She climbed up on the altar and straddled Oz and anointed them both with rose oil. The witch raised her arms, "Hear us, foamborn goddess, send your power through me to my lover. Let your gentle touch heal the rift between man and wolf. In your name, Aphrodite, let our will be done."
Oz arched up as she lowered herself down, a surge filling them with energy as the first real pangs of the change rippled through him. As she began to move, and unnoticed by the pair, a salt-scented breeze stole through the room, twisting in a circle, faster and faster. The rough walls of the room gave way to the distant view of green hills and moonlit water, enclosed by marble columns.
Their eyes stayed locked as their bodies moved. Oz felt the wolf slowly come forth, and for a moment it seemed his mind would give way, but a fresh surge of energy filled him, and suddenly he was the wolf and himself all at once — and at one with his friend and lover. She bent to kiss him and free his hands. Joyfully he wrapped his arms around her and the two seemed to blend, spiraling into one.
Some timeless time later, they came back to themselves. Willow played with Oz's fur and he gently growled, his clawed hands gently stroking her. She smiled and gave thanks to Aphrodite, then rose to unlock the chains from his ankles. He stood and she took his hand, and the pair walked out into the moonlight — together.