Author Note:I am really, really, really sorry for the long and slow update. I was about to update after my Graduation Day on May 19th. I'm so happy to be going off to college. But I have to prepare for it. I was also really struggling with major writer's block. I know this happens a lot recently. But it does. I finally finished up a few chapters and will publish them one by one everyday. Shout out to Sussana D, I am so so sorry for not updating. I hope you like these new coming chapters. I owe it to you and everyone who is following me. I though during the summer, I though I would have more time with my time. But since the day after Graduation, I've been hammered. So much work, sickness and trying my best to support my family by taking up many responsibilities, causing my mental and physical healt. Also, after these chapters, this story will have a new title. Claire: Mistress of The Spirit. To all of my guest, this might be hard to find. But if you go type in my pen-name, you will find this story. Shout to guest David Case. Thank you for the suggestion of a villian. Unfortunately, I couldn't find fanart of The Draknagoth. And I won't be bring it in my story. Even though I greatly appreciate all of your reviews, I do not add things in the story because the fan said so. As a writer, also a FanFic writer, it's not a good idea to mold your story into what a single fan wants. I've seen it before from moives and books. But I do enjoy reading your reviews and acknowlegde them.

I feel sick and numb before seeing the wolf's eyes. I wake up, whimpering and groaning in pain, but it doesn't sound like my voice. It sounds...animalistic. I hear myself sniffing that it isn't my breathing. A stabbing pain shoots all through my body. It feels like venom flowing through my veins. My magic tries to help, but it just makes it worse. I use my strength to get up and clumsily walk away from the camp. I fall to the ground, hitting my head, shaking, and crying in pain. I cover my mouth, hoping my friends don't hear me, but my palm gets pinched by something sharp. My mouth feels so sore. My teeth hurt, and I feel them shift into something sharp. My legs and arms feel weird and itchy. I shut my eyes, too scared to open them. I try to push down the unbearable pain.

"Time to see more of your powers, child."

I open my eyes to see various shades of blue, yellow, and grey. I try to get up, but my legs and arms are tense and weak, my body feels contorted differently.

"Claire! Claire!"

I hear Jim shout. I look up and see him running toward me, but my vision becomes blurry, and Jim disappears as I blink. Sick, disoriented, and probably hallucinating. I try to get up again but fall. I scream at the top of my lungs, but I hear a wolf's howl instead of a human voice. I feel my body go limp and pass out.

Darkness and silence. No fire. No cold. No creepy Half-Troll. Just the feeling of loss and loneliness, but I suspect a great terror awaits me if I wake up. Even if what I feel and hear is harmless, it triggers all my fears. I can't move, feeling paralyzed. No pain but preparing for something that might not come. It brings dread and despair traveling through my body. The silence triggers my worries about something sneaking behind me, and I can't see it, but there's nothing to hear or see. I finally open my eyes, wake up, and see blue and grey. So many parts of me hurt and feel so weird. Slowly, I manage to get up and stand up, but I'm on all fours. I don't feel 5' 2". It's more like 2-3 feet tall. I take a step forward but almost lose my balance. I only feel four fingers and not my thumb. My whole body aches, making me groan, but it sounds like a haunting howl. I look around and see the rocks around me in grey—no other color than that. My head starts pounding, my senses heighten, and my stomach hurts. It's cold, but warmth is all around me. I painfully begin walking. I have to find my friends. They're probably worried about where I am. Maybe I'm just a bit sick, and that's why I'm feeling and seeing weird things.

"Claire! Claire!"

I hear the voices of all my friends. I sigh in relief. I walk more smoothly but still feel like I'm crawling without using my thumbs, but if I were, I would feel my knees scratching on the hard rocky ground. I hear my hand splash in a puddle of water, and I look down and almost jump in shock. There, I see a wolf's reflection in the small pool of water. Is that me? I look closer and see my brown eyes in the reflection. Oh my god! I'm a wolf. How? Wizards don't turn into animals. Do they? Douxie, Archie, and Zoe have never told me that, but why a wolf? Mom did say that a wolf is my spirit animal and my familiar is too. Hearing my friends' voices, I knew they were awake and looking for me. I know I have to get back to them, but I'm scared of what they'll think of me. They won't recognize me. They'll freak out. Maybe even Nymeria will chase me off. I try to think of a way to return to what I was before, but I don't know how or why I transformed into a wolf. It must be a challenge of my powers, but what? Neither Douxie nor Zoe transforms into animals.

Archie was born a dragon, but he had the choice of his first form, which was a cat, but he didn't explain how he transformed or how it works. I remember reading this in books and watching it in movies and TV shows when I was younger. The person, witch, wizard, etc., had to control and focus on what form they wanted to transform into. Same with the changelings. I think of my original form. I want it back. I take a deep breath and close my eyes. Think of looking at myself. I see it, but something is blocking me from getting there. I start to shake and feel my head spin. So much pain hits me like a I bullet. I open my eyes and fall to the ground. I groan in pain. I can't get there.

"Claire! Claire! Where are you?"

Oh no! My friends are getting closer. I can hear them. I can smell them. Fear sweeps over me. I can't confront them. I quickly get up and run away to hide in a pile of rocks. There is a crack that is easy for me to fit into and look out for, but it hides me. Soon, I see my friends walk into my view. I tremble, feeling a mix of worry, fear, and anxiety. I think I can't control and handle my emotions as a wolf. This reminds me of what happened with Jim when he turned into a Half-Troll, hiding from Toby and me, but now I'm in his situation; hopefully, this isn't permanent.

"Claire was here," Nymeria says hopefully, peaking up to my friends. "Her scent is powerful here; she must be around here somewhere and couldn't have gotten far."

Oh shit! Please don't find me. I see Nari freeze and stare in my direction. I duck and hear she feels something scary. Oh great! I look out, making Toby freeze in fear; the color drains from his face. "Guys, I think something is in there." He says in horror, pointing to where I'm hiding. Everyone gets their weapons out, making me scared. My friends would never hurt me, would they in this form?

"Whoever you are, come out!" Jim shouts, pulling out his sword.

I'm afraid he might hurt me. No! Jim would never hurt me, but he doesn't recognize me. I can show I'm not going to attack him. I know him. He will never attack something if they freeze, doesn't move or back away, and it's head down. I have to confront him, even if his sword is near him. I take a deep breath and slowly walk out of the crack. Everyone freaks out, and as expected, Jim looks ready to attack me. He seems so angry. Of course, worried about where I am, but I'm right here, where sadly, he doesn't know. If I weren't in this form, I would run up and hug him, but for me appearing as a threat to him, he looks so dangerous. I try to back up, but I can't seem to move my feet. I lower my head, trembling in fear.

"Wait! Jim, don't scare her!" I hear Nymeria shout, running and getting in between us. "Lower your weapon." She growls. Jim obeys and backs up. Nymeria turns to me and smiles.

I'm confused. Does Nymeria recognize me? I calm down as I feel our bond that happened a few days ago. I grow more relaxed and become excited all of a sudden. Nymeria and I bump our heads together and circle each other. We jump and start playing. Nari walks towards us, and I lower my head, letting her pet me.

"Uhhhh... What's going on here?" I hear Krel ask in confusion.

"Guys! This wolf shouldn't be feard. She's Claire!" Nari replies happily, hugging me.

But everyone stares at us in confusion. "What are you talking about? That wolf looks nothing like Claire?" Aja says, shaking her head.

There's no way for Nari and Nymeria to convince them. I take a deep breath and walk to them, specifically Jim. He backed up and was about to pull out his weapon before I heard Nymeria growl at him. I sit, and we stare at each other. I can't speak or tell Jim it's me, but I don't have to. Soon, Jim drops his weapon and stares at me in shock; his eyes widen, studying me.

"Claire?" He says softly.

I stand up, wagging my tail, and smile. Jim smiles with joy and gets down to my level. A huge weight lifts off my shoulders as Jim touches my head, and I lean into his hand, calming me down. He sighs and looks like he'll cry.

"I'm so sorry." He whispers.

What does he have to be sorry for? He may have held a sword to me, but he didn't strike or hurt me and didn't know I was in this body.

"How is this possible?" I hear Zoe say. "I've never heard of a witch or wizard transforming into an animal. I've only read about it in books."

"Morgana could turn into one," Douxie corrects, walking next to me, getting down to my level, and petting my head.

"How should we help turn Claire back to normal?" Jim asks with concern.

"You can't help her. Only she can." Nari replies.

"How?" Douixe asks.

"She has to focus and concentrate on her powers," Archie says calmly, flying to us.

But I whine and shake my head, trembling.

"Shhh! Claire, I know you don't like it and are already in pain, but you must face it, or it won't get better." Nari whispers, pressing her hand on my back.

"You can do this, Claire," Douxie says softly. Jim moves to my side, and Douxie takes his place to face me. "Remember what I taught you. Stay true to yourself. That will protect you from fear and shadows. Close your eyes and take a deep breath."

I do just that. I feel safe with my friends around. Some of them might still be shocked and scared, as I expect, but at least the one I love is beside me, and my mentor is in front of me, along with Nymeria and Nari, who understand me and stays by me. I see myself in the mirror as a human. I try to focus on getting back to myself. I think of my original form again, but something is blocking me from getting reaching it, making my head spin again.

"I'm right here for you. I believe in you."

I hear Jim's sweet voice. I turn and see him smiling. He believes in me. He's always believed in me. If it weren't for him, I would've not made my biggest portal to save our friends and most of the trolls of Trollmarket. I wouldn't have supported being underground for three months if it weren't for him. He gave me the strength to fight and is next to me. I see my reflection change into human form. With all my willpower, I pull myself together. White comes to my eyes, and I faint. I feel something catch me and steady me.

"Claire, you did it." I hear Douxie say happily.

I feel something drape over me; I open my eyes and see him in front of me, smiling. Blood rushes to my head, and I feel so weak and in pain, but my healing magic isn't working.

"Rest, Claire. You need your strength."

I calm down and feel someone's gentle touch and stroke my hair. I close my eyes and drift off to rest.

I feel comfortable in my own body, and my strength comes back. I feel something warm snuggling beside me. I open my eyes and see Nymeria next to me, sleeping. It's not my boyfriend, but I enjoy being around my familiars. She gave me some safety as she saved me from getting hurt by my friends. I reach out my hand and gently place it on Nymeria's head. She seems to be a light sleeper as she quickly turns to me. I recoil my hand, but she smiles.

"Hi, Claire!"

"Hi, Nymeria!" I yawn, stretching a bit as she sits up. "Did I wake you up?"

"No! I was just resting, and Jim wanted me to watch you." She replies.

With that said, all of the horrible things that I felt came back to me. "How long have I been asleep?" I ask nervously.

"Not that long. About two hours. While you were sleeping, Jim decided to train Mary and Darci, preparing for what to come next on the trip. So don't worry. Douxie wants you to rest as much as possible because of your powers and the journey." Nymeria explains. "If you're up to it, we can walk over to them. I think they're still training, and Douxie needs to talk to you."

"I think I'm fine." I groan, stretching and slowly sitting up. I look down and see all of my clothes on with my necklace around my neck. It's painful and makes me lightheaded, but Nymeria helps me up. I get on my feet, and we walk toward my friends. Nymeria was right. They're still training. Nari and NotEnrique turn around and notices us.

"Claire!" NotEnrique shouts, running up to me, and I bend down for him to hug me. "I'm so glad you're ok," snuggling up against my chest.

"Thanks, brother!" I mumble, hugging him back.

"Are you ok, Claire?" Nari asks me sweetly.

"I'm a bit lightheaded, but alright."

"How did you transform into a wolf?" NotEnrique asks curiously.

"I don't know. All I know is that when I did, it was painful, and I felt physically sick."

"Don't worry, Claire. You'll get used to it. Extending your powers is difficult the first time, but we will help you." Nari reassures me.

I smile. "Thank you, guys!"

"Come on!" NotEnrique says, jumping out of my arms. "Everyone is wondering about you."

I nod, and NotErique walks back with Nari to our friends, who are all training, including Mary and Darci, with swords and staffs. "Do you know where we're going?" I ask Nymeria with concern, looking at her.

She looks at me with confusion and hesitation for a moment but nods her head. "Yes! It's deep within your heart; you know it is too."

She seems to know what I mean. "But I thought we were going somewhere to find something to defeat the Arcane Order? That would be disappointing for them, including Douxie."

"That's up to you to figure out. Not me and you have to trust yourself, but I know where we're going will help each of us, including what you're looking for."

I'm more confused. What does she mean? Was this right for me to take my friends on this journey? They wanted to come with me. The odds are against us, and some of them are growing impatient with me. I could be right. This journey could all lead to nowhere. I can't disappoint my friends like that, but maybe Nymeria is right. I have to trust her, and I have to trust myself. I nod to her, and we walk to my friends.

"Claire!" Mary shouts, drawing everyone's attention. She drops her weapon and rushes up to hug me. The wind gets knocked out of me, gasping for air from her tight grip. "We were so worried about you."

"Mary, it wasn't like she was dying," Darci says, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms.

"Claire is my bestie, and I don't want her to be in pain." Mary snaps in defense as she lets me go, crossing her arms too.

"I'm fine, Mary." I sigh.

Everyone asks me questions about my transformation, and I give the same answer as I did for NotEnrique. I know it's odd for everyone, but I have questions too. I don't know what, why, or how I can become a wolf. Krel thinks it's fantastic, but I consider it painful and scary. I soon get a break when Douxie asks to talk with me, Zoe, Archie, Nymeria, and Nari. To give us some privacy, Jim tells everyone to keep training.

"Alright, Douxie, what do we need to talk about?" I ask, sitting on a rock beside Nymeria as I'm still slightly exhausted.

Douxie explained the training I had to do the next day, and I wondered about Morgana and her ability to transform into an animal. Hers was an owl, but according to him and his knowledge, Morgana and I were the only ones with this ability, which was odd to him, but the strangest thing was when he explained about the time of my birthday, Morgana acted sad, stayed in her room most of the time, and doesn't talk for hours on end. Is that why I couldn't speak to her during my birthday and the Day of Mourning for my family? And my dreams of her 'having a child' the night before my birthday and sending her away the night before the ceremony couldn't be a coincidence. Did Morgana have a daughter? And if so, why did she send her child away? I ask Archie about how he transformed into a cat when he first did and how he controlled it. Same with me, it came when he was of age for a dragon. It was hard and a bit painful, but he found out his fire helped him combat the struggle. So I need a base. After we're done, we walk back to the group, and I walk to Jim, who wraps his arms around me but looks sad.

"What's wrong, Jim?" I ask with concern, placing one hand on his cheek and caressing his face.

He shows a slight smile but holds me tighter. "I'm sorry. I almost hurt you. I feel so horrible I held a sword to you." He replies, sounding sad and slightly trembling.

"Shhh! Shhhh! It's ok, Jim. You didn't know, and I don't blame your reaction. I'm not hurt, and that's all that matters. I don't want you to beat yourself because of what you didn't do." I say softly. With that, Jim sighs and pulls me into a hug. I snuggle in his chest, feel warm, and regain some of my strength.

"Alright, lovers, should we continue to train or travel?" Steve asks, annoyed.

I mutter under my breath, and everyone whines. Jim looks a bit conflicted. He doesn't want to upset us but worries about not being on the move. "I think we should all rest for a bit. We've all been training and traveling non-stop." I speak up, leaning against Jim's body. "We should rest for about two hours. That will help some of us to collaborate and for others to relax."

Everyone looks at me with amazement. I seem to talk like a leader or Jim. In my mind, something needs to be done with our situation. Someone needs to stand up.

"I agree with Claire!" Mary says, and everyone else agrees too.

"Alright! We have a plan! Let's go!" Douxie says confidently, and we walk towards our stuff.

I feel Jim rub my shoulder and hear him chuckle. I turn my head and see him smirk at me. "What?"

"You're turning into a leader. I'm so proud of you." He replies.

I smile and snuggle my head on Jim's shoulder with my hand in his. We follow to join Blinky, AAARRRGGHH!, Toby, Douxie, Nymeria, Archie, and Zoe. We'll let the others in on this conversation. I quickly dash to my stuff and grab Morgana's book, which I lie about a book I found under the Manor. I'm the only one who can read or even see the text when I look inside. I think I blew it until Douxie concluded that this journey is unique to me, which made more questions about Morgana's involvement. I already have her spell book, but this is a personal look into her life; this gives me the most critical, vulnerable, and intimate detail about her. I have to guard it. I have to trust myself with it, and hopefully, I can find out the questions in my head about her if she doesn't answer them herself, but right now, the focus for me is my friends.

Author Note: I was planning on uploading the night before. But I passed out just I was finish up and begin to edit. But here is the next chapter of the story. Again, I am so sorry for the very slow update. I hope you guys understand. Please review.